How to identify a first printing
- 1952–c.1977: First printings generally state 'First Edition' on the copyright page; a stated later printing rules out a first. Where no statement appears, treat the book cautiously and rely on the absence of any later-printing notice as a supporting (not conclusive) indicator.
- 1970s: where a number line appears, the lowest digit (1) present indicates the first printing.
- After the 1976 Dutton acquisition: late Hawthorn titles can follow Dutton-style copyright-page conventions; check for a Dutton association and for a number line.
Notable points & cautions
- American trade house operating 1952–1977; originally founded as a subsidiary of Prentice-Hall, later owned by W.H. Allen.
- Known for reference, popular non-fiction, and how-to titles.
- Acquired by E.P. Dutton in 1976 (Dutton bought it from W.H. Allen) and the name was discontinued; documentation of its first-edition practice is thin, so set confidence accordingly when a copy lacks an explicit statement.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Hawthorn Books, Hawthorn (under E.P. Dutton ownership, from 1976). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Hawthorn Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1952–c.1977: First printings generally state 'First Edition' on the copyright page; a stated later printing rules out a first. Where no statement appears, treat the book cautiously and rely on the absence of any later-printing notice as a supporting (not conclusive) indicator. 1970s: where a number line appears, the lowest digit (1) present indicates the first printing.
Does Hawthorn Books use a number line?
1970s: where a number line appears, the lowest digit (1) present indicates the first printing.
Is a book-club edition a Hawthorn Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. American trade house operating 1952–1977; originally founded as a subsidiary of Prentice-Hall, later owned by W.H. Allen.
What era does this cover?
This covers Hawthorn Books (1952–1977). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.