How to identify a first printing
- Pre-1928: no marking on first editions; subsequent/later printings were noted, so the absence of a later-printing notice indicates a first printing.
- 1928 onward: began stating 'First printed 19—' (the words 'First printed' followed by the year) on the copyright page of first editions, continuing to note subsequent printings.
Notable points & cautions
- Long-running bookselling firm (founded 1853 by August Brentano) whose publishing division was active mainly in the 1900s–1933.
- Published George Bernard Shaw's authorized American editions and Gertrude Stein's 'The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas' (1933).
- The publishing arm failed during the Depression (1933); the bookstores continued separately.
- The 1928 shift to 'First printed 19—' is a clean identification boundary.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Brentano's (publishing division) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Pre-1928: no marking on first editions; subsequent/later printings were noted, so the absence of a later-printing notice indicates a first printing. 1928 onward: began stating 'First printed 19—' (the words 'First printed' followed by the year) on the copyright page of first editions, continuing to note subsequent printings.
Does Brentano's (publishing division) use a number line?
1928 onward: began stating 'First printed 19—' (the words 'First printed' followed by the year) on the copyright page of first editions, continuing to note subsequent printings.
Is a book-club edition a Brentano's (publishing division) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Long-running bookselling firm (founded 1853 by August Brentano) whose publishing division was active mainly in the 1900s–1933.
What era does this cover?
This covers Brentano's (publishing division) (1853–1933 (publishing division; bookstores longer)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.