How to identify a first printing
- Most Folio Society books are illustrated REPRINTS (not first editions of the text) issued in a slipcase, NOT individually numbered — they are trade fine editions, not limited
- Identify the FIRST Folio printing by the dated 'Printed in...' / 'First published... by The Folio Society' statement and absence of a 'reprinted' line; later Folio reprints add reprint dates and may change the binding cloth
- The genuinely collectible Folio items are the explicitly NUMBERED LIMITED EDITIONS (e.g., the Letter Press Shakespeare, deluxe facsimiles) — these have a printed limitation leaf and number, often with a certificate
- Original slipcase (and any tissue/extra) is part of the desirable state; no commercial number line
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1947 by Charles Ede (London); a subscription society issuing handsomely illustrated editions of established texts — generally NOT rare-book 'firsts'
- DO NOT treat an ordinary Folio Society volume as a first edition of the work — it is a later illustrated reprint; only the stated numbered Limited Editions carry limitation value
- Early Folio Society titles (late 1940s–50s) and out-of-print sold-out limited editions command premiums
- Slipcase presence and edition (first Folio printing vs. later reprint, and standard vs. numbered limited) are the key distinctions
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Folio Society, Letter Press Shakespeare (deluxe series), Folio Society Limited Editions (numbered). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Folio Society book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Most Folio Society books are illustrated REPRINTS (not first editions of the text) issued in a slipcase, NOT individually numbered — they are trade fine editions, not limited Identify the FIRST Folio printing by the dated 'Printed in...' / 'First published... by The Folio Society' statement and absence of a 'reprinted' line; later Folio reprints add reprint dates and may change the binding cloth
Does Folio Society use a number line?
Identify the FIRST Folio printing by the dated 'Printed in...' / 'First published... by The Folio Society' statement and absence of a 'reprinted' line; later Folio reprints add reprint dates and may change the binding cloth
Is a book-club edition a Folio Society first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1947 by Charles Ede (London); a subscription society issuing handsomely illustrated editions of established texts — generally NOT rare-book 'firsts'
What era does this cover?
This covers Folio Society (1947–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.