How to identify a first printing
- 1908–c.1920: inconsistent; first editions usually (but not always) bear a black oval colophon enclosing white script 'GHD' on the copyright page (sometimes the title page). The practice was not consistent until the early 1920s, so the colophon alone is not conclusive for this period.
- Early 1920s: the 'GHD' oval colophon on the copyright page, with no later-printing notice, becomes the reliable first-printing point.
- About 1925: began the general practice of printing 'First Edition' in the book or placing the GHD device under the copyright notice.
- Post-1927 (as Doubleday, Doran): first editions carry 'First Edition' on the copyright page under the Doubleday, Doran imprint.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1908 by George H. Doran; strong in British authors (Arnold Bennett, Frank Swinnerton; Michael Arlen's 'The Green Hat').
- Merged with Doubleday, Page & Company in 1927 to form Doubleday, Doran & Company.
- The black-oval 'GHD' colophon is the best-known Doran first-edition tell; its inconsistency before the early 1920s is the key caveat.
- Imprint name is a dating aid: 'George H. Doran Company' = 1908–1927; 'Doubleday, Doran' = 1927 onward.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Doubleday, Doran & Company (1927 merger successor). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my George H. Doran Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1908–c.1920: inconsistent; first editions usually (but not always) bear a black oval colophon enclosing white script 'GHD' on the copyright page (sometimes the title page). The practice was not consistent until the early 1920s, so the colophon alone is not conclusive for this period. Early 1920s: the 'GHD' oval colophon on the copyright page, with no later-printing notice, becomes the reliable first-printing point.
Does George H. Doran Company use a number line?
Early 1920s: the 'GHD' oval colophon on the copyright page, with no later-printing notice, becomes the reliable first-printing point.
Is a book-club edition a George H. Doran Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1908 by George H. Doran; strong in British authors (Arnold Bennett, Frank Swinnerton; Michael Arlen's 'The Green Hat').
What era does this cover?
This covers George H. Doran Company (1908–1927 (merged into Doubleday, Doran)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.