American publishers
Identifying Viking Press first editions
How Viking Press marked its first printings
c. 1925 – 1980s
'Published in [year] by The Viking Press' with no printing notices beneath generally indicates a first printing; later printings add 'Second printing [month, year]' and so on.
Modern
Number lines with 'First published in [year] by Viking'; the lowest number should be 1.
Reading the number line
Where Viking Press prints a number line (a row such as 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1), the printer removes the lowest number at each new printing. The lowest number you can see is therefore the printing: a first printing shows 1. Split lines such as 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 work the same way; look for the 1 anywhere in the row.
What the edition statement means
Like most British houses, this publisher recorded the book's history on the verso: a 'First published in [year]' line, with any later impressions listed underneath ('Second impression', 'Reprinted'). A verso with the first-publication line and nothing beneath it points to the first impression.
Common pitfalls
- The printing notice can appear as a separate small line; read the whole page.
- Viking Compass paperbacks are not first editions of the hardcover.
Book-club editions
- A small blind-stamp (dot, circle, square or maple leaf) pressed into the lower corner of the rear board.
- No price on the front jacket flap, often with 'Book Club Edition' printed on the flap.
- Book-club copies are frequently slightly smaller, on thinner paper, with cheaper paper-covered boards.
Checking a copy in hand
- Read the entire copyright page, including small type at the foot, for any later-printing notice.
- Find the number line, if any, and note the lowest number.
- Compare the copyright date with any title-page date; on a first printing they normally agree.
- Check the jacket flap for a price and the rear board for a blind-stamp.
- For valuable titles, confirm title-specific points in a descriptive bibliography.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell if a Viking Press book is a first edition?
Viking traditionally used a 'Published in YYYY by The Viking Press' line and listed later printings. c. 1925 – 1980s: 'Published in [year] by The Viking Press' with no printing notices beneath generally indicates a first printing; later printings add 'Second printing [month, year]' and so on. Modern: Number lines with 'First published in [year] by Viking'; the lowest number should be 1.
Does a Viking Press number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When Viking Press uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a Viking Press copyright page guarantee a first printing?
Like most British houses, this publisher recorded the book's history on the verso: a 'First published in [year]' line, with any later impressions listed underneath ('Second impression', 'Reprinted'). A verso with the first-publication line and nothing beneath it points to the first impression.
How can I spot a Viking Press book-club edition?
A small blind-stamp (dot, circle, square or maple leaf) pressed into the lower corner of the rear board. No price on the front jacket flap, often with 'Book Club Edition' printed on the flap. Book-club copies are frequently slightly smaller, on thinner paper, with cheaper paper-covered boards.
What are the common mistakes with Viking Press first editions?
The printing notice can appear as a separate small line; read the whole page. Viking Compass paperbacks are not first editions of the hardcover.
Sources of known practice
- Zempel & Verkler, First Editions: A Guide to Identification (compiles publishers' own statements of practice)
- Bill McBride, A Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions
Practice varied between imprints and over time; dates given are approximate. This is guidance, not an appraisal.
Have a Viking Press book in front of you?