How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page printing statement: classic Bantam used a printed-line phrase such as 'Bantam edition / (date)' with a printing history; a true first lists only the first printing.
- Modern Bantam (post-merger) uses a descending number line; first printing retains '1' (e.g. '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1').
- Historically Bantam used a numeric/letter code; for mass-market originals look for a single printing line with no subsequent printings noted.
- Bantam hardcovers state 'First Edition' / 'FIRST EDITION' with the number line in PRH era.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1945 (Ian Ballantine among founders); primarily a paperback house, so many Bantam firsts are mass-markets (e.g. paperback originals).
- Merged into Bantam Doubleday Dell (1986), then absorbed into Random House (1998); now Penguin Random House. Post-1998 convention follows RH line-to-1 style.
- Spectra was the SF/fantasy imprint (1985–c.2011); follows Bantam line conventions.
- Bantam frequently issued the FIRST printed appearance of a title as a paperback original, so condition/edition collectors must not assume the hardcover is the first.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Bantam Spectra, Spectra, Domain, Crime Line, Loveswept, Bantam Classics, Bantam Dell. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Bantam Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page printing statement: classic Bantam used a printed-line phrase such as 'Bantam edition / (date)' with a printing history; a true first lists only the first printing. Modern Bantam (post-merger) uses a descending number line; first printing retains '1' (e.g. '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1').
Does Bantam Books use a number line?
Modern Bantam (post-merger) uses a descending number line; first printing retains '1' (e.g. '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1').
Is a book-club edition a Bantam Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1945 (Ian Ballantine among founders); primarily a paperback house, so many Bantam firsts are mass-markets (e.g. paperback originals).
What era does this cover?
This covers Bantam Books (1945–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.