How to identify a first printing
- Paperback originals: first printing has NO additional printings listed on the copyright page
- Reprints of titles first issued elsewhere: copyright page states 'First Printing: <Month Year>' or 'First Edition: <Month Year>' together with a number line containing '1'
- Del Rey titles follow Ballantine practice (number line with '1' and/or stated first printing/date)
Notable points & cautions
- Ballantine founded 1952 (Ian & Betty Ballantine); historically issued simultaneous hardcover + paperback in early years, complicating 'true first' for some 1950s titles
- Del Rey launched 1977 (Judy-Lynn and Lester del Rey) as Ballantine's SF/fantasy imprint — published Terry Brooks, Stephen R. Donaldson, and the Star Wars line
- Del Rey moved out from under the Ballantine division within Random House in 2013
- Ballantine's 1965 authorized paperback of Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' has its own famous points vs. the unauthorized Ace edition
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Ballantine, Del Rey, Del Rey/LucasBooks, Fawcett (Crest/Gold Medal, later absorbed). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Ballantine Books / Del Rey book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Paperback originals: first printing has NO additional printings listed on the copyright page Reprints of titles first issued elsewhere: copyright page states 'First Printing: <Month Year>' or 'First Edition: <Month Year>' together with a number line containing '1'
Does Ballantine Books / Del Rey use a number line?
Reprints of titles first issued elsewhere: copyright page states 'First Printing: <Month Year>' or 'First Edition: <Month Year>' together with a number line containing '1'
Is a book-club edition a Ballantine Books / Del Rey first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Ballantine founded 1952 (Ian & Betty Ballantine); historically issued simultaneous hardcover + paperback in early years, complicating 'true first' for some 1950s titles
What era does this cover?
This covers Ballantine Books / Del Rey (1952–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.