How to Identify First Editions & First Printings

First editions and first printings are the earliest forms of a book as originally published. For collectors, they represent the closest connection to a book’s moment of creation before later reprints, revisions, or design changes.

That said, identifying a true first edition is not always straightforward. Publishers use different systems, and the meaning of “first edition” can vary by book, country, and year of publication.

This guide explains the key elements collectors look for.

First Edition vs First Printing

First edition: the first setting of the text.
First printing: the first batch printed from that edition.

The most collectible state is first edition, first printing.

The Copyright Page

The copyright page is the key reference point.

Look for:

The words “First Edition”
A number line
Publisher-specific statements

Number Lines (Modern Books)

A number line indicates the printing.

Example:

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

If 1 is present, the book is a first printing. Later printings remove the lowest number.

Publisher Statements

Some publishers explicitly state:

“First Edition”
“First Printing”

These statements should always be read together with the number line and publication details.

Dust Jacket & Condition

For modern first editions, the dust jacket is essential.

Collectors check:

Original price on the jacket
Correct first-issue design
Overall condition of both book and jacket

Country of First Publication

The true first edition is usually the edition published first in the original country.
Later editions in other countries may still be “first” for that market, but not the first overall.