How to identify a first printing
- Numerical identification in parentheses/brackets at the FOOT OF THE LAST PAGE of text: '(1)' = first printing, '(2)' = second, etc.
- May occasionally have used a 'First Edition' statement instead of the foot-of-last-page number.
- Match title-page date with single date on copyright page.
Notable points & cautions
- The point is at the END of the book (last text page), not the copyright page — a frequent miss for those checking only the front matter.
- Became Appleton-Century in 1933 (merger with Century Co.), then Appleton-Century-Crofts — the foot-of-page number convention can persist.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: D. Appleton, Appleton-Century (1933+), Appleton-Century-Crofts. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my D. Appleton & Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Numerical identification in parentheses/brackets at the FOOT OF THE LAST PAGE of text: '(1)' = first printing, '(2)' = second, etc. May occasionally have used a 'First Edition' statement instead of the foot-of-last-page number.
Does D. Appleton & Company use a number line?
May occasionally have used a 'First Edition' statement instead of the foot-of-last-page number.
Is a book-club edition a D. Appleton & Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. The point is at the END of the book (last text page), not the copyright page — a frequent miss for those checking only the front matter.
What era does this cover?
This covers D. Appleton & Company (1830s-1940s). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.