How to Identify a Akashic Books (Noir Series) First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Modern copyright-page number line ending in '1' for the first printing; usually a 'First printing' / 'First edition' statement as well.
• Many Noir Series titles are trade-paperback originals — the paperback is the first edition; a few have hardcover library states with their own line.
• Series identification by the '[City] Noir' title and Akashic colophon.

Notable points & cautions

• Founded 1996 (Johnny Temple); the Noir Series (Brooklyn Noir, etc.) are original anthologies — first BOOK appearance of the stories, so genuinely collectible firsts.
• Trade paperback original status means there is no earlier hardcover to chase.
• Some popular titles reprinted quickly — confirm the full number line ending in '1'.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Akashic Books, Akashic Noir Series (city-based crime anthologies). Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Akashic Books (Noir Series) book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Modern copyright-page number line ending in '1' for the first printing; usually a 'First printing' / 'First edition' statement as well. Many Noir Series titles are trade-paperback originals — the paperback is the first edition; a few have hardcover library states with their own line.

Does Akashic Books (Noir Series) use a number line?

Many Noir Series titles are trade-paperback originals — the paperback is the first edition; a few have hardcover library states with their own line.

Is a book-club edition a Akashic Books (Noir Series) first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1996 (Johnny Temple); the Noir Series (Brooklyn Noir, etc.) are original anthologies — first BOOK appearance of the stories, so genuinely collectible firsts.

What era does this cover?

This covers Akashic Books (Noir Series) (1996-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.