How to identify a first printing
- 1942-c.1951: First printings generally carry no consistent printed 'First Edition' statement. Identify a first by the absence of any later-printing or reprint notice on the copyright page; later printings, when issued, are typically noted. The title page reads 'Creative Age Press' and is usually dated.
- After the c.1951 acquisition by Farrar, Straus (then Farrar, Straus & Young), continuing titles follow Farrar, Straus copyright-page practice rather than independent Creative Age practice.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 1942 by the Irish medium and parapsychology patron Eileen J. Garrett; published a mix of literary and metaphysical/parapsychology titles in the 1940s.
- Acquired by Farrar, Straus & Young around 1951, which brought authors such as Robert Graves and Gerald Sykes onto the Farrar, Straus list; this ownership change ends the independent imprint.
- Wartime paper restrictions affect paper and binding state on 1940s titles, so rely on the reprint-noted convention rather than physical heft for identification.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Creative Age Press, Inc.. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Creative Age Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1942-c.1951: First printings generally carry no consistent printed 'First Edition' statement. Identify a first by the absence of any later-printing or reprint notice on the copyright page; later printings, when issued, are typically noted. The title page reads 'Creative Age Press' and is usually dated. After the c.1951 acquisition by Farrar, Straus (then Farrar, Straus & Young), continuing titles follow Farrar, Straus copyright-page practice rather than independent Creative Age practice.
Does Creative Age Press use a number line?
After the c.1951 acquisition by Farrar, Straus (then Farrar, Straus & Young), continuing titles follow Farrar, Straus copyright-page practice rather than independent Creative Age practice.
Is a book-club edition a Creative Age Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 1942 by the Irish medium and parapsychology patron Eileen J. Garrett; published a mix of literary and metaphysical/parapsychology titles in the 1940s.
What era does this cover?
This covers Creative Age Press (1942-c.1951). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.