How to identify a first printing
- First editions state "First published [Year]" or "First published in [Year]" on the copyright page (frequently with the printer named), later printings noted with added impression lines
- First printing = the 'First published' statement with NO subsequent-impression notation
- Early/mid-20th-c. titles list later printings as 'Second impression [year]' etc. beneath the original line
- Confirm clean copyright page free of reprint lines
Notable points & cautions
- Published J.R.R. Tolkien — 'The Hobbit' (1937) and 'The Lord of the Rings' (1954-55) true firsts have famously intricate points: 'Hobbit' first issue with green cloth & dustjacket, and the LotR Fellowship 'first impression' with the corrected/uncorrected text and the well-known signature-line points
- Also Bertrand Russell, Arthur Waley translations
- Allen & Unwin Australia became an independent Commonwealth house — distinguish from the UK parent
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Allen & Unwin, Unwin Hyman (1986-1991), Unwin Paperbacks, Allen & Unwin Australia (later separate). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my George Allen & Unwin book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First editions state "First published [Year]" or "First published in [Year]" on the copyright page (frequently with the printer named), later printings noted with added impression lines First printing = the 'First published' statement with NO subsequent-impression notation
Does George Allen & Unwin use a number line?
First printing = the 'First published' statement with NO subsequent-impression notation
Is a book-club edition a George Allen & Unwin first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Published J.R.R. Tolkien — 'The Hobbit' (1937) and 'The Lord of the Rings' (1954-55) true firsts have famously intricate points: 'Hobbit' first issue with green cloth & dustjacket, and the LotR Fellowship 'first impression' with the corrected/uncorrected text and the well-known signature-line points
What era does this cover?
This covers George Allen & Unwin (1914-1990 (UK independent); Australian arm continues). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.