How to identify a first printing
- Mid-1800s–c.1900: Louisville printer-publisher of Southern/regional literature, textbooks, almanacs, and reference; first editions carry the Morton imprint and a dated title page. No first-edition statement and no number line — identify by imprint form and the absence of a later-printing notice.
- Predecessor firm names bracket the earliest period: Henry A. Griswold joined in 1838 and the firm operated as 'Morton & Griswold' before becoming 'John P. Morton & Company' after 1860; the imprint form is the dating handle.
- Regional almanacs, cookbooks, and handbooks were frequently reprinted from standing type — use the bound-in advertisement/catalog state to separate first from later printings.
Notable points & cautions
- Long-running Louisville house (founded by John Price Morton, 1807–1889) important for Southern/Kentucky regional first editions; the firm continued under the family until 1943.
- Imprint-name evolution (Morton & Smith → Morton & Griswold → John P. Morton & Co.) anchors dating; standard 19th-century identification applies.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: John P. Morton & Co., Morton & Griswold (predecessor). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my John P. Morton & Co. book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Mid-1800s–c.1900: Louisville printer-publisher of Southern/regional literature, textbooks, almanacs, and reference; first editions carry the Morton imprint and a dated title page. No first-edition statement and no number line — identify by imprint form and the absence of a later-printing notice. Predecessor firm names bracket the earliest period: Henry A. Griswold joined in 1838 and the firm operated as 'Morton & Griswold' before becoming 'John P. Morton & Company' after 1860; the imprint form is the dating handle.
Does John P. Morton & Co. use a number line?
Predecessor firm names bracket the earliest period: Henry A. Griswold joined in 1838 and the firm operated as 'Morton & Griswold' before becoming 'John P. Morton & Company' after 1860; the imprint form is the dating handle.
Is a book-club edition a John P. Morton & Co. first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Long-running Louisville house (founded by John Price Morton, 1807–1889) important for Southern/Kentucky regional first editions; the firm continued under the family until 1943.
What era does this cover?
This covers John P. Morton & Co. (c.1858–c.1900 (firm itself ran to 1943)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.