How to identify a first printing
- Independent era (1971–1999): copyright page typically states 'First Edition' or 'First Printing'; number line may appear on later titles (descending, 1 = first).
- HarperCollins era (1999 onward): follows Harper convention — 'FIRST EDITION' stated AND a number line; on Harper imprints the presence of the '1' in the number line is the decisive point.
- First lacks later-printing notice in both eras.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1971 by Daniel Halpern in New York; significant poetry list and the influential Ecco/Antaeus connection; acquired by HarperCollins in 1999 and now operates as a Harper imprint.
- Era caveat is crucial: a pre-1999 Ecco first is an independent-press book; post-1999 Ecco firsts follow HarperCollins identification rules (see harpercollins entry).
- Strong reprint/'Neglected Books of the Twentieth Century' series — those are 'first thus' editions, not first-ever printings.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Ecco (HarperCollins imprint from 1999), The Ecco Companions, Art of the Poetic Line / poetry series. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Ecco Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Independent era (1971–1999): copyright page typically states 'First Edition' or 'First Printing'; number line may appear on later titles (descending, 1 = first). HarperCollins era (1999 onward): follows Harper convention — 'FIRST EDITION' stated AND a number line; on Harper imprints the presence of the '1' in the number line is the decisive point.
Does Ecco Press use a number line?
HarperCollins era (1999 onward): follows Harper convention — 'FIRST EDITION' stated AND a number line; on Harper imprints the presence of the '1' in the number line is the decisive point.
Is a book-club edition a Ecco Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1971 by Daniel Halpern in New York; significant poetry list and the influential Ecco/Antaeus connection; acquired by HarperCollins in 1999 and now operates as a Harper imprint.
What era does this cover?
This covers Ecco Press (1971–present (HarperCollins from 1999)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.