How to identify a first printing
- Early 1980s-2000 (independent, Santa Fe NM, founders Gerry Clow and astrologer Barbara Hand Clow): the copyright page states 'First Edition'; the book typically carries a Santa Fe address. A number line is not consistent in the early years, so use the edition statement plus the first-publication year, with the Santa Fe imprint confirming a pre-acquisition printing.
- 2000-present (imprint of Inner Traditions, Rochester VT): follows Inner Traditions house practice, a descending number line with the lowest number indicating the printing, alongside a 'First Edition' statement; a Rochester VT address confirms a post-acquisition printing.
Notable points & cautions
- An independent New Mexico New-Age house best known for Jose Arguelles (The Mayan Factor, tied to the 1987 Harmonic Convergence) and Barbara Hand Clow titles, collected in their original Santa Fe form.
- The address is the cleanest era tell: a Santa Fe NM imprint marks the independent (pre-2000) first editions, while a Rochester VT imprint marks the Inner Traditions era.
- Inner Traditions later reissued many Bear titles, so verify the original Santa Fe first printing for the most sought-after books.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Bear & Company, Bear Cub Books (later). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Bear & Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Early 1980s-2000 (independent, Santa Fe NM, founders Gerry Clow and astrologer Barbara Hand Clow): the copyright page states 'First Edition'; the book typically carries a Santa Fe address. A number line is not consistent in the early years, so use the edition statement plus the first-publication year, with the Santa Fe imprint confirming a pre-acquisition printing. 2000-present (imprint of Inner Traditions, Rochester VT): follows Inner Traditions house practice, a descending number line with the lowest number indicating the printing, alongside a 'First Edition' statement; a Rochester VT address confirms a post-acquisition printing.
Does Bear & Company use a number line?
2000-present (imprint of Inner Traditions, Rochester VT): follows Inner Traditions house practice, a descending number line with the lowest number indicating the printing, alongside a 'First Edition' statement; a Rochester VT address confirms a post-acquisition printing.
Is a book-club edition a Bear & Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. An independent New Mexico New-Age house best known for Jose Arguelles (The Mayan Factor, tied to the 1987 Harmonic Convergence) and Barbara Hand Clow titles, collected in their original Santa Fe form.
What era does this cover?
This covers Bear & Company (1980-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.