How to identify a first printing
- 1928–1937: First editions carry no statement of printing on the copyright page; every later printing states its printing (e.g. 'Second Printing'). The absence of any printing statement indicates the first printing.
- The Chicago predecessor Covici-McGee stated 'First Printing' on the copyright page of its first editions; the Pascal Covici imprint (c.1924–1928) followed similar small-press practice.
- Many Covici-Friede titles were limited or signed editions with explicit limitation statements — check the limitation notice to establish limited-versus-trade priority.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1928 in New York by Pascal Covici (formerly Covici-McGee, then Pascal Covici, Chicago) and Donald Friede (formerly vice-president at Boni & Liveright).
- Published Radclyffe Hall's 'The Well of Loneliness' (1928, US, a censorship cause célèbre) and Hecht & MacArthur's 'The Front Page' (1928).
- Signed John Steinbeck in 1934; published 'Tortilla Flat' (1935), 'In Dubious Battle' (1936) and 'Of Mice and Men' (1937) — Covici later followed Steinbeck to Viking as his editor.
- Declared bankruptcy in 1937; the list and editor (Covici) moved to Viking Press.
- Imprint name dates the book: 'Covici-McGee' = Chicago to roughly 1924; 'Pascal Covici' = c.1924–1928; 'Covici-Friede' = 1928–1937.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Pascal Covici (predecessor), Covici-McGee (Chicago predecessor), The Colt Press (associated). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Covici-Friede book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1928–1937: First editions carry no statement of printing on the copyright page; every later printing states its printing (e.g. 'Second Printing'). The absence of any printing statement indicates the first printing. The Chicago predecessor Covici-McGee stated 'First Printing' on the copyright page of its first editions; the Pascal Covici imprint (c.1924–1928) followed similar small-press practice.
Does Covici-Friede use a number line?
The Chicago predecessor Covici-McGee stated 'First Printing' on the copyright page of its first editions; the Pascal Covici imprint (c.1924–1928) followed similar small-press practice.
Is a book-club edition a Covici-Friede first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1928 in New York by Pascal Covici (formerly Covici-McGee, then Pascal Covici, Chicago) and Donald Friede (formerly vice-president at Boni & Liveright).
What era does this cover?
This covers Covici-Friede (1928–1937 (predecessors from 1922)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.