How to identify a first printing
- 1912-1949: month/year letter code on copyright page. Month: A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar, D=Apr, E=May, F=Jun, G=Jul, H=Aug, I=Sep, K=Oct, L=Nov, M=Dec (J skipped).
- Year code (J skipped): M=1912, N=1913 ... Z=1925, then A=1926, B=1927 ... Z=1950 (cycles).
- Code reads as two letters (month-year), e.g. 'K-Z' = October 1925.
- For firsts, the year letter code should match (or precede) the year on the title page; a code LATER than the title-page year indicates a reprint.
- From 1922: also began printing 'First Edition' on the copyright page in addition to the code.
- Letter code discontinued after 1949; later Harper & Row used standard statements/number lines.
Notable points & cautions
- The letter code is the defining Harper point — memorize that J is skipped in BOTH month and year sequences.
- Between 1912-1922 there is usually no 'First Edition' words — you MUST decode the letter code against the title-page date.
- A matching code confirms first printing; mismatched (later) code on otherwise-identical book = book-club or later printing.
- Becomes Harper & Row in 1962 after merger with Row, Peterson; the vintage code applies only to the Harper & Brothers era.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Harper & Row (post-1962), Harper's, Harper Torchbooks. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Harper & Brothers book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1912-1949: month/year letter code on copyright page. Month: A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar, D=Apr, E=May, F=Jun, G=Jul, H=Aug, I=Sep, K=Oct, L=Nov, M=Dec (J skipped). Year code (J skipped): M=1912, N=1913 ... Z=1925, then A=1926, B=1927 ... Z=1950 (cycles).
Does Harper & Brothers use a number line?
Year code (J skipped): M=1912, N=1913 ... Z=1925, then A=1926, B=1927 ... Z=1950 (cycles).
Is a book-club edition a Harper & Brothers first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. The letter code is the defining Harper point — memorize that J is skipped in BOTH month and year sequences.
What era does this cover?
This covers Harper & Brothers (1912-1962 (code 1912-1949)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.