How to identify a first printing
- First printings state "First published in [Year]" (often "First published in mcmxxxx") on the copyright/verso page, with no list of later impressions
- Prior to 1968 the year was set in ROMAN NUMERALS (e.g. 'First published in mcmliv'); from 1968 onward Arabic numerals were used — a key dating tell
- Since WWII the month was generally dropped from the statement (pre-war statements sometimes named the month)
- Later impressions add a 'Second impression / Reprinted [year]' line beneath the original statement; presence of such a line rules out a first printing
- In the modern era (later 20th c. onward) Faber adopted a descending number line ending in 1 (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1); lowest digit = printing
Notable points & cautions
- Roman-to-Arabic numeral switch at 1968 is the single most useful Faber dating shortcut
- T.S. Eliot was a director; Faber poetry firsts (Eliot, Auden, Hughes, Larkin, Heaney, Plath) are heavily collected and dust jackets/price-clipping matter greatly
- Golding 'Lord of the Flies' (1954) firsts have specific points; the statement is in Roman numerals
- Book-club reprints and US co-editions are common confusions
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Faber & Gwyer (predecessor, 1925-1929), Faber Finds, Faber Children's, Faber & Faber Poetry. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Faber & Faber book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printings state "First published in [Year]" (often "First published in mcmxxxx") on the copyright/verso page, with no list of later impressions Prior to 1968 the year was set in ROMAN NUMERALS (e.g. 'First published in mcmliv'); from 1968 onward Arabic numerals were used — a key dating tell
Does Faber & Faber use a number line?
Prior to 1968 the year was set in ROMAN NUMERALS (e.g. 'First published in mcmliv'); from 1968 onward Arabic numerals were used — a key dating tell
Is a book-club edition a Faber & Faber first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Roman-to-Arabic numeral switch at 1968 is the single most useful Faber dating shortcut
What era does this cover?
This covers Faber & Faber (1929-present (Faber & Gwyer from 1925)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.