How to identify a first printing
- First printings carry a full descending number line "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" on the copyright page; the lowest number (1) present = first printing
- Copyright page should show only the original publication year and no later printer/edition statement
- Some later titles also print the words "First Edition" on the copyright page alongside the number line
- First printing = number line ending in 1 AND no mention of a subsequent edition, later date, or different publisher
Notable points & cautions
- Harry Potter is the defining case: 'Philosopher's Stone' (1997) true first = number line 10...1, '1 wand' listed twice on p.53, 'Joanne Rowling' credit, Thomas Taylor cover, print run of only ~500 hardcovers — among the most valuable modern firsts
- Chamber of Secrets (1998) & Prisoner of Azkaban (1999) firsts: number line 10...1, no later-printing/edition statement
- Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows firsts say "First Edition" on the copyright page
- Founded 1986 — a relatively young house, so number-line convention applies throughout
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Bloomsbury, Bloomsbury Children's, Methuen (acquired), A&C Black (acquired), Continuum. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Bloomsbury Publishing book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printings carry a full descending number line "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" on the copyright page; the lowest number (1) present = first printing Copyright page should show only the original publication year and no later printer/edition statement
Does Bloomsbury Publishing use a number line?
Copyright page should show only the original publication year and no later printer/edition statement
Is a book-club edition a Bloomsbury Publishing first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Harry Potter is the defining case: 'Philosopher's Stone' (1997) true first = number line 10...1, '1 wand' listed twice on p.53, 'Joanne Rowling' credit, Thomas Taylor cover, print run of only ~500 hardcovers — among the most valuable modern firsts
What era does this cover?
This covers Bloomsbury Publishing (1986-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.