How to identify a first printing
- Identified mainly by the EDITION and year printed on the cover and title page; the guides were revised on a regular (often annual) cycle, so the year is the principal identifier.
- Early and mid-century volumes are dated annual editions; the copyright/title-page year identifies that printing.
- Random-House-era Fodor's typically carries a standard descending number line alongside the edition statement, where the lowest digit indicates the printing of that edition.
Notable points & cautions
- Eugene Fodor helped pioneer the personality-driven, annually updated guidebook; the historic debut '1936... On the Continent' was published in London by Aldor Publications, not in the United States.
- Fodor's Modern Guides was founded in Paris in 1949, with David McKay Company becoming the US publisher about a year later; Random House acquired Fodor's (with McKay) in 1986 and it now sits under Penguin Random House.
- The annual-revision model means each year is effectively a new edition, so collector interest concentrates in the earliest and landmark volumes rather than routine updates.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Aldor Publications (original 1936 London publisher), Fodor's Modern Guides, Inc. (from 1949), David McKay Company (US publisher from c.1950), Random House / Penguin Random House (owner from 1986). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Fodor's Travel book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Identified mainly by the EDITION and year printed on the cover and title page; the guides were revised on a regular (often annual) cycle, so the year is the principal identifier. Early and mid-century volumes are dated annual editions; the copyright/title-page year identifies that printing.
Does Fodor's Travel use a number line?
Early and mid-century volumes are dated annual editions; the copyright/title-page year identifies that printing.
Is a book-club edition a Fodor's Travel first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Eugene Fodor helped pioneer the personality-driven, annually updated guidebook; the historic debut '1936... On the Continent' was published in London by Aldor Publications, not in the United States.
What era does this cover?
This covers Fodor's Travel (1936-present (Modern Guides line from 1949; US publishing from c.1950)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.