How to identify a first printing
- As a W. W. Norton imprint (1996 onward), Countryman first printings are identified primarily by a descending number line on the copyright page ending in 1 (e.g., '1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2'); the lowest number present indicates the printing. Norton relies on the number line rather than a routine printed 'First Edition' statement, so do not require that wording.
- Pre-Norton independent era (1973-1996): identification is number-line based when a line is present, with the first printing line ending in 1; some early regional/guide titles may instead carry only a copyright year or a 'first printing' notice, so verify per title.
Notable points & cautions
- Outdoors, travel, regional cooking, cocktail and lifestyle publisher founded 1973 in Taftsville, Vermont by Peter and Jane Jennison; acquired by W. W. Norton in 1996 and fully relocated to New York by 2015.
- Cookbook, cocktail and guidebook titles (e.g., the long-running Explorer's Guide series) reprint frequently, so the number line is the reliable arbiter of a true first printing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my The Countryman Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. As a W. W. Norton imprint (1996 onward), Countryman first printings are identified primarily by a descending number line on the copyright page ending in 1 (e.g., '1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2'); the lowest number present indicates the printing. Norton relies on the number line rather than a routine printed 'First Edition' statement, so do not require that wording. Pre-Norton independent era (1973-1996): identification is number-line based when a line is present, with the first printing line ending in 1; some early regional/guide titles may instead carry only a copyright year or a 'first printing' notice, so verify per title.
Does The Countryman Press use a number line?
Pre-Norton independent era (1973-1996): identification is number-line based when a line is present, with the first printing line ending in 1; some early regional/guide titles may instead carry only a copyright year or a 'first printing' notice, so verify per title.
Is a book-club edition a The Countryman Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Outdoors, travel, regional cooking, cocktail and lifestyle publisher founded 1973 in Taftsville, Vermont by Peter and Jane Jennison; acquired by W. W. Norton in 1996 and fully relocated to New York by 2015.
What era does this cover?
This covers The Countryman Press (1973-present (a W. W. Norton imprint since 1996)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.