How to identify a first printing
- Earlier independent era (c.1942-c.1960): a first printing is indicated by a stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page or by the absence of any later-printing statement; a stated later printing rules out a first.
- Under Lyle Stuart (c.1970-1989): firsts are commonly identified by the absence of a later-printing notice, and some titles add a number line, in which case the lowest digit (1) present indicates a first printing.
- Under Carol Publishing (1989-2000) and Kensington (2000 onward): standard number-line conventions apply, with the lowest digit (1) present indicating a first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1942 as an independent New York house; known for film books (the 'Films of...' series), reference, and popular non-fiction.
- Became associated with Lyle Stuart, Inc., with Lyle Stuart serving as president from 1970 to 1989; the imprint then passed to Carol Publishing (Steven Schragis), with the sale of Lyle Stuart, Inc. and its imprints effective January 1989.
- After Carol Publishing's bankruptcy, Citadel Press was acquired by Kensington Publishing in 2000, which still runs it as a non-fiction imprint. Because the imprint persisted through several owners, the parent name on the copyright page (Lyle Stuart vs. Carol vs. Kensington) helps fix the era.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Citadel Press, The Citadel Press, Lyle Stuart, Inc. (parent, from c.1970), Citadel (under Carol Publishing, then Kensington). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Citadel Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Earlier independent era (c.1942-c.1960): a first printing is indicated by a stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page or by the absence of any later-printing statement; a stated later printing rules out a first. Under Lyle Stuart (c.1970-1989): firsts are commonly identified by the absence of a later-printing notice, and some titles add a number line, in which case the lowest digit (1) present indicates a first printing.
Does Citadel Press use a number line?
Under Lyle Stuart (c.1970-1989): firsts are commonly identified by the absence of a later-printing notice, and some titles add a number line, in which case the lowest digit (1) present indicates a first printing.
Is a book-club edition a Citadel Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1942 as an independent New York house; known for film books (the 'Films of...' series), reference, and popular non-fiction.
What era does this cover?
This covers Citadel Press (1942-present (independent and Lyle Stuart era to 1989)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.