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.
Hawthorn Books titles with documented first-edition points
Each link opens that title’s specific points of issue — the exact marks that separate a true first printing from a later one.
- The Children Sing (MacKinlay Kantor, 1973)