How to Identify a Hamish Hamilton First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• First editions state "First published in Great Britain [Year]" or "First published [Year]" on the copyright page; later printings noted
• First printing = statement present with no list of later impressions
• Under Penguin ownership (modern era) descending number lines ending in 1 appear; lowest digit = printing
• Absence of reprint lines is the core first-printing confirmation

Notable points & cautions

• Quality literary list: J.D. Salinger (UK), Raymond Chandler (UK), Nancy Mitford, Truman Capote (UK), Georges Simenon
• Many titles were UK issues of American books — watch for US true-first precedence vs UK first
• Now an imprint within Penguin

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Hamish Hamilton, Hamish Hamilton Children's, Penguin/Hamish Hamilton (under Penguin later). Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Hamish Hamilton book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. First editions state "First published in Great Britain [Year]" or "First published [Year]" on the copyright page; later printings noted First printing = statement present with no list of later impressions

Does Hamish Hamilton use a number line?

First printing = statement present with no list of later impressions

Is a book-club edition a Hamish Hamilton first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Quality literary list: J.D. Salinger (UK), Raymond Chandler (UK), Nancy Mitford, Truman Capote (UK), Georges Simenon

What era does this cover?

This covers Hamish Hamilton (1931-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.