How to Identify a Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers (FSG BYR) First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• FSG house convention applies: descending number line on copyright page; first printing ends in 1 (e.g. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1)
• FSG historically did NOT state 'First Edition' — relied on the number line; a first printing is identified by the line reaching 1 with no later-printing date added
• Some titles add 'First edition, (Year)' on copyright page in modern era; number line still controls

Notable points & cautions

• FSG BYR is prestige literary children's/YA: Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time (FSG, 1962 — Newbery), William Steig (Sylvester and the Magic Pebble — Caldecott; Shrek!), Roald Dahl US, Uri Shulevitz
• Because FSG often omitted the words 'First Edition', collectors MUST read the number line — absence of 'First Edition' wording is normal and not disqualifying
• Now part of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Margaret Ferguson Books (historical at FSG), Frances Foster Books, Mirasol / libros juveniles, R. Gobbato. Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers (FSG BYR) book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. FSG house convention applies: descending number line on copyright page; first printing ends in 1 (e.g. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1) FSG historically did NOT state 'First Edition' — relied on the number line; a first printing is identified by the line reaching 1 with no later-printing date added

Does Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers (FSG BYR) use a number line?

FSG historically did NOT state 'First Edition' — relied on the number line; a first printing is identified by the line reaching 1 with no later-printing date added

Is a book-club edition a Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers (FSG BYR) first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. FSG BYR is prestige literary children's/YA: Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time (FSG, 1962 — Newbery), William Steig (Sylvester and the Magic Pebble — Caldecott; Shrek!), Roald Dahl US, Uri Shulevitz

What era does this cover?

This covers Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers (FSG BYR) (1946–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.