How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page reads 'First published in India in [year] by Aleph Book Company' (sharing the Rupa address, 7/16 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi).
- A first printing is typically stated as 'First edition' or 'First impression [year]' with no later-impression notice; later impressions add impression lines.
- Some titles also carry a descending number line; the digit 1 present indicates the first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded May 2011 by David Davidar in partnership with R. K. Mehra and Kapish Mehra of Rupa Publications India.
- Publishes literary fiction and high-quality non-fiction (history, biography); authors have been shortlisted for or won the Booker, JCB, Sahitya Akademi, and other prizes, with smaller curated print runs.
- Copyright-page form follows the Rupa house style given the shared parent and address.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Aleph Book Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page reads 'First published in India in [year] by Aleph Book Company' (sharing the Rupa address, 7/16 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi). A first printing is typically stated as 'First edition' or 'First impression [year]' with no later-impression notice; later impressions add impression lines.
Does Aleph Book Company use a number line?
A first printing is typically stated as 'First edition' or 'First impression [year]' with no later-impression notice; later impressions add impression lines.
Is a book-club edition a Aleph Book Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded May 2011 by David Davidar in partnership with R. K. Mehra and Kapish Mehra of Rupa Publications India.
What era does this cover?
This covers Aleph Book Company (2011-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.