How to Identify a Coward-McCann First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Generally inconsistent in marking first editions; subsequent printings were usually noted, so the absence of a later-printing notice is the baseline signal (always cross-check title-level point guides).
• Until the mid-1930s: a torch-design colophon on the copyright page typically marked first editions; the torch portion of the colophon was removed on subsequent printings.
• After 1935: 'First American Edition' stated on the copyright page for books first published OUTSIDE the US; NO statement made on books first published in the US (so a US-first book carries no edition statement at all).

Notable points & cautions

• Because the house was inconsistent, specific titles should always be cross-checked against title-level point guides rather than relying on the general convention.
• Do NOT confuse Coward-McCann with Reynal & Hitchcock. The torch-colophon convention is Coward-McCann's OWN and is NOT shared with Reynal & Hitchcock. Per ILAB/qbbooks, Reynal & Hitchcock made no statement on first editions until 1947 (subsequent printings noted); there is no documented R&H torch colophon. The claim of a 'shared torch-colophon convention / related design lineage' is unsupported and misleading.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Coward-McCann, Coward, McCann & Geoghegan (later). Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Coward-McCann book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Generally inconsistent in marking first editions; subsequent printings were usually noted, so the absence of a later-printing notice is the baseline signal (always cross-check title-level point guides). Until the mid-1930s: a torch-design colophon on the copyright page typically marked first editions; the torch portion of the colophon was removed on subsequent printings.

Does Coward-McCann use a number line?

Until the mid-1930s: a torch-design colophon on the copyright page typically marked first editions; the torch portion of the colophon was removed on subsequent printings.

Is a book-club edition a Coward-McCann first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Because the house was inconsistent, specific titles should always be cross-checked against title-level point guides rather than relying on the general convention.

What era does this cover?

This covers Coward-McCann (1928-1970s). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.