How to identify a first printing
- Earlier printings: no 'first edition' statement on the copyright page; subsequent printings were noted, so the absence of a later-printing notice indicates the first printing.
- Later practice: first editions state 'First Published [Year]' (or 'First Edition Published [Month, Year]') on the copyright page, with subsequent printings noted.
- The US issue carries the imprint 'John Lane Company, New York'; a London-only 'John Lane, The Bodley Head' imprint marks the English issue, not the American. By the 1920s many titles carry a combined 'John Lane The Bodley Head / Dodd, Mead' line.
Notable points & cautions
- American branch of the London house John Lane / The Bodley Head, founded by John Lane.
- The US operation was wound down and its distribution passed to Dodd, Mead & Company in the early-to-mid 1920s; later American 'John Lane' titles often bear a Dodd, Mead line.
- Priority between the British parent and the American branch must be established carefully, as editions appeared in both London and New York.
- Mitchell Kennerley worked in John Lane's New York office before going independent.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: The Bodley Head (parent, London). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my John Lane Company (American branch) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Earlier printings: no 'first edition' statement on the copyright page; subsequent printings were noted, so the absence of a later-printing notice indicates the first printing. Later practice: first editions state 'First Published [Year]' (or 'First Edition Published [Month, Year]') on the copyright page, with subsequent printings noted.
Does John Lane Company (American branch) use a number line?
Later practice: first editions state 'First Published [Year]' (or 'First Edition Published [Month, Year]') on the copyright page, with subsequent printings noted.
Is a book-club edition a John Lane Company (American branch) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. American branch of the London house John Lane / The Bodley Head, founded by John Lane.
What era does this cover?
This covers John Lane Company (American branch) (c.1896–1920s (US branch)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.