How to identify a first printing
- 19th century through mid-20th century: designation of later printings was erratic. A first printing is identified either by the line 'First American Edition (year)' on the copyright page when present, or, when no such line appears, by the same date appearing on the title page as on the copyright page with no additional printings listed. Absence of any later-printing notice combined with date agreement is the working test.
- Later 20th century: the firm noted later printings on the copyright page more consistently, so a copyright page with no later-printing entries indicates a first printing; number lines appear on more recent titles, with the lowest digit present indicating the printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Alfred Smith Barnes learned the trade under D. F. Robinson & Co. in Hartford, CT, publishing educational titles (Davies's mathematics, Emma Willard's histories), moved to Philadelphia about 1840, and the firm was established as A. S. Barnes & Co. in New York City in 1865.
- A leading 19th-century American textbook and educational publisher, known for the National Series of readers and science texts, Davies's arithmetics, and Steele's 'Fourteen Weeks' science series.
- When present, the 'First American Edition (year)' line on the copyright page is the clearest tell; otherwise rely on title-page and copyright-date agreement with no later-printing notice.
- Distinguish the 19th-century textbook house from the mid-20th-century A. S. Barnes & Co. trade and sports-book publisher operating under the continued name; the company name and back catalog passed to John Barnes Pratt after a 1917-era split.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: A. S. Barnes & Co., A. S. Barnes & Burr (partnership, c.1857-1865), Barnes (educational/textbook lists, e.g. National Series). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my A. S. Barnes & Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 19th century through mid-20th century: designation of later printings was erratic. A first printing is identified either by the line 'First American Edition (year)' on the copyright page when present, or, when no such line appears, by the same date appearing on the title page as on the copyright page with no additional printings listed. Absence of any later-printing notice combined with date agreement is the working test. Later 20th century: the firm noted later printings on the copyright page more consistently, so a copyright page with no later-printing entries indicates a first printing; number lines appear on more recent titles, with the lowest digit present indicating the printing.
Does A. S. Barnes & Company use a number line?
Later 20th century: the firm noted later printings on the copyright page more consistently, so a copyright page with no later-printing entries indicates a first printing; number lines appear on more recent titles, with the lowest digit present indicating the printing.
Is a book-club edition a A. S. Barnes & Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Alfred Smith Barnes learned the trade under D. F. Robinson & Co. in Hartford, CT, publishing educational titles (Davies's mathematics, Emma Willard's histories), moved to Philadelphia about 1840, and the firm was established as A. S. Barnes & Co. in New York City in 1865.
What era does this cover?
This covers A. S. Barnes & Company (c.1838-late 20th century (A. S. Barnes & Co. in New York from 1865)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.