How to identify a first printing
- Imprint-name era tell: the publishing arm began in 1930 under the Metropolitan Press umbrella (Metropolitan Press itself dated to a Portland printing business founded in 1899). The name 'Binfords & Mort' was adopted in 1938 after Ralph Mort became a partner. A 'Metropolitan Press' imprint therefore points to roughly 1930-1938, while 'Binfords & Mort' dates a title to 1938 or later.
- 1930-c.1960 (heyday): First editions of this era typically carry NO number line. Identify by a copyright year that matches publication, the correct period imprint, and the absence of any later-printing or reissue statement; later printings are usually noted as 'Second printing,' etc.
- c.1960 onward: The no-number-line convention continued, and many titles were reprinted from standing plates over decades. A first printing requires the absence of any added printing notice and, ideally, an original dust jacket without later price or printing changes.
- Backlist caution: the firm is still active (later in Hillsboro, Oregon) and continues to reprint regional staples, so verify the original copyright and first-printing state rather than trusting a recent-looking copy.
Notable points & cautions
- The publishing operation grew out of the Binfords' Metropolitan Press (a Portland printing firm dating to 1899) and began issuing Pacific Northwest books around 1930; the 'Binfords & Mort' name dates from 1938, when Ralph Mort joined as partner.
- Once among the largest book publishers in the Pacific Northwest and a major force in regional literature, especially from 1930 to 1960.
- Definitive regional references include 'Oregon Geographic Names' (Lewis A. McArthur; Binford & Mort published its early editions), 'History of Oregon Literature,' and 'Dictionary of Oregon History' — perennials with many printings, so first-printing identification matters.
- Still a small active publisher (relocated to Hillsboro, Oregon), continuing to reprint its backlist, so many copies are late printings that can be mistaken for firsts.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Binfords & Mort, Binford & Mort Publishing, Metropolitan Press (predecessor). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Binford & Mort (Binfords & Mort) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Imprint-name era tell: the publishing arm began in 1930 under the Metropolitan Press umbrella (Metropolitan Press itself dated to a Portland printing business founded in 1899). The name 'Binfords & Mort' was adopted in 1938 after Ralph Mort became a partner. A 'Metropolitan Press' imprint therefore points to roughly 1930-1938, while 'Binfords & Mort' dates a title to 1938 or later. 1930-c.1960 (heyday): First editions of this era typically carry NO number line. Identify by a copyright year that matches publication, the correct period imprint, and the absence of any later-printing or reissue statement; later printings are usually noted as 'Second printing,' etc.
Does Binford & Mort (Binfords & Mort) use a number line?
1930-c.1960 (heyday): First editions of this era typically carry NO number line. Identify by a copyright year that matches publication, the correct period imprint, and the absence of any later-printing or reissue statement; later printings are usually noted as 'Second printing,' etc.
Is a book-club edition a Binford & Mort (Binfords & Mort) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. The publishing operation grew out of the Binfords' Metropolitan Press (a Portland printing firm dating to 1899) and began issuing Pacific Northwest books around 1930; the 'Binfords & Mort' name dates from 1938, when Ralph Mort joined as partner.
What era does this cover?
This covers Binford & Mort (Binfords & Mort) (1930-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.