How to identify a first printing
- 1932–1936: The firm did NOT consistently use a first-edition statement. First printings are identified primarily by the absence of any subsequent-printing notice on the copyright page (later printings were noted). Some titles do print 'First Edition' or 'First Printing,' but its absence does not by itself disqualify a first.
- Faulkner titles (Light in August 1932; Pylon 1935; Absalom, Absalom! 1936): rely on the copyright page lacking a later-printing line, plus author-specific first-state points and dealer-documented points of issue, rather than on any house statement. Matching title-page and copyright dates is a supporting check.
- After 1936: the firm merged into Random House; books bearing the Random House imprint thereafter follow Random House rules. The Smith & Haas imprint ends at the 1936 merger.
Notable points & cautions
- Formed 1932 by Harrison Smith (formerly of Jonathan Cape & Harrison Smith) and Robert Haas; carried William Faulkner's list.
- Merged into Random House in 1936; Robert Haas became the third Random House partner — the key ownership-change fact and the end of the imprint.
- Frequently styled 'Smith & Haas' on title pages and spines. Because the first-edition statement was inconsistent, the reprint-noted convention is the reliable tell.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Harrison Smith and Robert Haas, Smith & Haas, Harrison Smith, Inc. (related earlier Smith venture). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Harrison Smith & Robert Haas book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1932–1936: The firm did NOT consistently use a first-edition statement. First printings are identified primarily by the absence of any subsequent-printing notice on the copyright page (later printings were noted). Some titles do print 'First Edition' or 'First Printing,' but its absence does not by itself disqualify a first. Faulkner titles (Light in August 1932; Pylon 1935; Absalom, Absalom! 1936): rely on the copyright page lacking a later-printing line, plus author-specific first-state points and dealer-documented points of issue, rather than on any house statement. Matching title-page and copyright dates is a supporting check.
Does Harrison Smith & Robert Haas use a number line?
Faulkner titles (Light in August 1932; Pylon 1935; Absalom, Absalom! 1936): rely on the copyright page lacking a later-printing line, plus author-specific first-state points and dealer-documented points of issue, rather than on any house statement. Matching title-page and copyright dates is a supporting check.
Is a book-club edition a Harrison Smith & Robert Haas first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Formed 1932 by Harrison Smith (formerly of Jonathan Cape & Harrison Smith) and Robert Haas; carried William Faulkner's list.
What era does this cover?
This covers Harrison Smith & Robert Haas (1932–1936). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.