The fastest check: Copyright page carries a 'First printing, <Month Year>' statement; first printings show no later-printing notation
How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page carries a 'First printing, <Month Year>' statement; first printings show no later-printing notation
- Many Baen titles use a number line with '1' present — lowest digit indicates the printing
- Baen catalog/ISBN and the stated first-printing date are the cross-check (paperback originals are the 'first' for most titles)
Decode the printer's key: paste the number line into the number-line decoder, or run any book through the first-edition identifier.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1983 by Jim Baen; heavy in military SF and space opera (Weber, Ringo, Flint)
- Predominantly mass-market and trade paperback originals, so the paperback is frequently the true first edition
- Distributed historically by Simon & Schuster, so later printings may carry S&S distribution language
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Baen. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Baen Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page carries a 'First printing, <Month Year>' statement; first printings show no later-printing notation Many Baen titles use a number line with '1' present — lowest digit indicates the printing
Does Baen Books use a number line?
Many Baen titles use a number line with '1' present — lowest digit indicates the printing
Is a book-club edition a Baen Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1983 by Jim Baen; heavy in military SF and space opera (Weber, Ringo, Flint)
What era does this cover?
This covers Baen Books (1983–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.