How to identify a first printing
- First editions follow the standard HarperCollins convention: the words "First Edition" stated on the copyright page together with a complete descending number line ending in 1 — both required for the true first.
- If "First Edition" is stated but the number line's lowest digit is higher than 1 (or the line is incomplete), it is a later printing of the first edition, not a first printing.
- Removal of the "First Edition" statement on later printings is standard HarperCollins practice; a copy lacking the statement is not a first.
- Number line forms vary (e.g., 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1, sometimes with a year code alongside); the lowest digit present indicates the printing.
Notable points & cautions
- HarperOne is HarperCollins's San Francisco-based religion/spirituality/personal-growth imprint, renamed from HarperSanFrancisco in 2007 (which descended from the Harper & Row San Francisco religious books division, founded 1977).
- For pre-2007 titles look for "HarperSanFrancisco" (and earlier "Harper & Row" / "Harper San Francisco") on the imprint line — the same Harper number-line plus "First Edition" convention applies across the name changes.
- Publishes major spiritual bestsellers that run to many printings, so strict adherence to the "First Edition" statement plus a complete number line is essential.
- As a HarperCollins imprint it shares the corporate copyright-page template, so the rule is firm.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: HarperOne, HarperElixir (historical), HarperSanFrancisco (former name), Harper & Row (San Francisco) religious list (historical). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my HarperOne book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First editions follow the standard HarperCollins convention: the words "First Edition" stated on the copyright page together with a complete descending number line ending in 1 — both required for the true first. If "First Edition" is stated but the number line's lowest digit is higher than 1 (or the line is incomplete), it is a later printing of the first edition, not a first printing.
Does HarperOne use a number line?
If "First Edition" is stated but the number line's lowest digit is higher than 1 (or the line is incomplete), it is a later printing of the first edition, not a first printing.
Is a book-club edition a HarperOne first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. HarperOne is HarperCollins's San Francisco-based religion/spirituality/personal-growth imprint, renamed from HarperSanFrancisco in 2007 (which descended from the Harper & Row San Francisco religious books division, founded 1977).
What era does this cover?
This covers HarperOne (HarperOne name 2007–present; lineage via HarperSanFrancisco (1990s–2007) and Harper & Row San Francisco religious division). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.