How to identify a first printing
- Historic E.P. Dutton (founded 1852): first printings often identified by the absence of later-printing statements; many mid-century titles state 'First Edition' or 'First Printing'.
- Number line / 'W' codes and date codes appear on some 20th-century Dutton books.
- Modern Dutton (Penguin): states 'First Edition' with a descending number line ending in 1.
- Presence of 1 in the line plus the stated First Edition = first in the modern era.
Notable points & cautions
- One of the oldest US houses (E.P. Dutton, est. 1852); diverse list including Winnie-the-Pooh US editions.
- Acquired by Penguin (Dutton/NAL) in the 1980s–90s; now a Penguin Publishing Group imprint within PRH.
- Pre-modern Dutton requires absence-of-reprint logic; the famous Pooh/Milne titles have specific bibliographic points beyond house convention.
- Plume (trade paperback) is largely a reprint line — usually NOT a first.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: E.P. Dutton (historic), Dutton Children's Books, Plume (trade paper, sister), New American Library/NAL (sister under Penguin). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Dutton book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Historic E.P. Dutton (founded 1852): first printings often identified by the absence of later-printing statements; many mid-century titles state 'First Edition' or 'First Printing'. Number line / 'W' codes and date codes appear on some 20th-century Dutton books.
Does Dutton use a number line?
Number line / 'W' codes and date codes appear on some 20th-century Dutton books.
Is a book-club edition a Dutton first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. One of the oldest US houses (E.P. Dutton, est. 1852); diverse list including Winnie-the-Pooh US editions.
What era does this cover?
This covers Dutton (1852–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.