How to identify a first printing
- c.1958-c.1970: trade first printings generally state 'First Edition' on the copyright page with no later-printing statement; a stated later printing rules out a first.
- c.1970s onward: a number line appears on the copyright page; the lowest digit (1) present indicates the first printing.
- Automotive and technical manuals: numbered by EDITION/YEAR of coverage, not by a printing line — do not apply trade first-printing logic to the repair-manual series.
Notable points & cautions
- Best known for Chilton automotive repair manuals; the trade division (Chilton Books) published Frank Herbert's 'Dune' first edition (1965), the marquee Chilton collectible.
- True 'Dune' first: Chilton Books, 1965, with 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page, 1965 as the only date, and NO number line; book-club and later printings printed from the same plates are commonly confused with it.
- Trade publishing later wound down while the manuals line continued under subsequent owners (Haynes/Cengage).
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Chilton (trade), Chilton Books, Chilton's (automotive manuals). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Chilton Book Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. c.1958-c.1970: trade first printings generally state 'First Edition' on the copyright page with no later-printing statement; a stated later printing rules out a first. c.1970s onward: a number line appears on the copyright page; the lowest digit (1) present indicates the first printing.
Does Chilton Book Company use a number line?
c.1970s onward: a number line appears on the copyright page; the lowest digit (1) present indicates the first printing.
Is a book-club edition a Chilton Book Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Best known for Chilton automotive repair manuals; the trade division (Chilton Books) published Frank Herbert's 'Dune' first edition (1965), the marquee Chilton collectible.
What era does this cover?
This covers Chilton Book Company (c.1958-c.1990 (trade)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.