The fastest check: On first printings, the copyright page carries a 'First Edition' statement together with a number line whose lowest digit is 1
How to identify a first printing
- On first printings, the copyright page carries a 'First Edition' statement together with a number line whose lowest digit is 1
- First printing is indicated by the presence of '1' as the lowest number in the number row
Decode the printer's key: paste the number line into the number-line decoder, search any title in the First Edition Checker, or run a book through the identifier.
Notable points & cautions
- Imprint of HarperCollins (it came into the Harper fold via William Morrow); follows the HarperCollins children's convention
- Standard HarperCollins caveat: the 'First Edition' statement can be left in place on later printings, so the number line is the deciding evidence
- Founded 1974 by Susan Hirschman; Kevin Henkes and Donald Crews titles are flagship collectibles
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Greenwillow Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. On first printings, the copyright page carries a 'First Edition' statement together with a number line whose lowest digit is 1 First printing is indicated by the presence of '1' as the lowest number in the number row
Does Greenwillow Books use a number line?
First printing is indicated by the presence of '1' as the lowest number in the number row
Is a book-club edition a Greenwillow Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Imprint of HarperCollins (it came into the Harper fold via William Morrow); follows the HarperCollins children's convention
What era does this cover?
This covers Greenwillow Books (1974-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.