How to identify a first printing
- 1919–1931 (as Cosmopolitan Book Corporation): First printings carry the words 'First Edition' on the copyright page. This is the reliable tell — its absence, or a later-printing notice, indicates a reprint. (Reference compilations drawn from Zempel & Verkler list Cosmopolitan as running a stated 'First Edition' line.)
- 1913–1919 (as Hearst's International Library Co.): No standardized first-edition statement is documented for this earlier imprint; identify by the Hearst's International Library imprint name plus a copyright-page date with no later-printing notice.
- After the 1931 sale to Farrar & Rinehart: titles continuing on the Cosmopolitan list follow Farrar & Rinehart practice; treat as a successor imprint.
Notable points & cautions
- Hearst's trade-book arm: began 1913 as Hearst's International Library Co., renamed Cosmopolitan Book Corporation in 1919.
- Sold to Farrar & Rinehart in 1931; the Cosmopolitan list (developed under Saul Flaum) helped launch Farrar & Rinehart — the key ownership-change and dating fact.
- Distinct from Cosmopolitan magazine, though both Hearst properties.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Cosmopolitan Book Corporation, Hearst's International Library Co. (predecessor, 1913–1919), International Magazine Company / Hearst (parent). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Cosmopolitan Book Corporation book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1919–1931 (as Cosmopolitan Book Corporation): First printings carry the words 'First Edition' on the copyright page. This is the reliable tell — its absence, or a later-printing notice, indicates a reprint. (Reference compilations drawn from Zempel & Verkler list Cosmopolitan as running a stated 'First Edition' line.) 1913–1919 (as Hearst's International Library Co.): No standardized first-edition statement is documented for this earlier imprint; identify by the Hearst's International Library imprint name plus a copyright-page date with no later-printing notice.
Does Cosmopolitan Book Corporation use a number line?
1913–1919 (as Hearst's International Library Co.): No standardized first-edition statement is documented for this earlier imprint; identify by the Hearst's International Library imprint name plus a copyright-page date with no later-printing notice.
Is a book-club edition a Cosmopolitan Book Corporation first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Hearst's trade-book arm: began 1913 as Hearst's International Library Co., renamed Cosmopolitan Book Corporation in 1919.
What era does this cover?
This covers Cosmopolitan Book Corporation (1913–1931 (1913–1919 as Hearst's International Library Co.; renamed Cosmopolitan Book Corporation 1919; sold to Farrar & Rinehart 1931)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.