How to identify a first printing
- Pre-1945: first editions identified chiefly by the ABSENCE of any later-printing statement on the copyright page.
- 1945–c.1985: usually placed a 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page of US-produced books (no statement on books produced outside the US).
- c.1976/1985 onward: 'First Edition' statement PLUS a descending number line ending in 1 — the modern reliable test.
- Imports/co-productions may read 'First American Edition' and lack the line.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1866 (Henry Holt); long, complex history — was part of Holt, Rinehart and Winston for decades, then re-emerged as Henry Holt under Holtzbrinck/Macmillan.
- Now part of Macmillan. Era matters: a mid-century Holt first relies on absence-of-reprint logic, NOT a number line.
- Metropolitan Books and Times Books are prestige imprints under Holt — same convention.
- No statement on UK-produced sheets is a common confusion — check where the book was manufactured.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Metropolitan Books, Times Books, Owl Books (former trade paper), Holt Paperbacks, Christy Ottaviano Books (former), Godwin Books. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Henry Holt and Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Pre-1945: first editions identified chiefly by the ABSENCE of any later-printing statement on the copyright page. 1945–c.1985: usually placed a 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page of US-produced books (no statement on books produced outside the US).
Does Henry Holt and Company use a number line?
1945–c.1985: usually placed a 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page of US-produced books (no statement on books produced outside the US).
Is a book-club edition a Henry Holt and Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1866 (Henry Holt); long, complex history — was part of Holt, Rinehart and Winston for decades, then re-emerged as Henry Holt under Holtzbrinck/Macmillan.
What era does this cover?
This covers Henry Holt and Company (1866–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.