How to identify a first printing
- 1930 to 1950s: founded 1930 by William H. Clarke and John C. W. Irwin (with Irene Irwin Clarke). First editions are identified by a dated copyright page with no later-printing notice; some carry 'First published' statements. Many titles are Canadian co-editions or licensed issues of UK/US books, so establish whether a copy is a true first or a licensed Canadian issue.
- 1950s to 1970s: trade, educational, and literary publishing; printing histories are sometimes listed, with later printings adding notices. No fully consistent number line.
- 1970s to 1983: some later titles adopt a number line, lowest number indicating the first printing. The firm was forced into receivership in 1983; assets passed to the Book Society of Canada, which became Irwin Publishing Inc. in 1984.
Notable points & cautions
- A respected Toronto literary and educational house, 1930 to 1983.
- Published the abridged 1951 school edition of Emily Carr's Klee Wyck; note the 1941 first edition and Governor General's Award winner was Oxford University Press (Toronto), not Clarke Irwin, so the Clarke Irwin Carr collectible is the later abridged text, not the prize-winning first.
- Forced into receivership in 1983; the trade backlist and educational lists passed to successor Irwin Publishing. Distinct from Irwin-Dorsey and other unrelated 'Irwin' imprints.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Clarke Irwin, Irwin Publishing (successor, from 1984). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Clarke, Irwin & Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1930 to 1950s: founded 1930 by William H. Clarke and John C. W. Irwin (with Irene Irwin Clarke). First editions are identified by a dated copyright page with no later-printing notice; some carry 'First published' statements. Many titles are Canadian co-editions or licensed issues of UK/US books, so establish whether a copy is a true first or a licensed Canadian issue. 1950s to 1970s: trade, educational, and literary publishing; printing histories are sometimes listed, with later printings adding notices. No fully consistent number line.
Does Clarke, Irwin & Company use a number line?
1950s to 1970s: trade, educational, and literary publishing; printing histories are sometimes listed, with later printings adding notices. No fully consistent number line.
Is a book-club edition a Clarke, Irwin & Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. A respected Toronto literary and educational house, 1930 to 1983.
What era does this cover?
This covers Clarke, Irwin & Company (1930-1983). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.