How to identify a first printing
- First printings state "First published [Year]" or "First published in Great Britain [Year]" on the copyright page with NO additional impression lines and traditionally NO number line
- Later printings noted by added lines (e.g. 'Second impression [year]', 'Reprinted...') — their presence disqualifies a first
- In the modern era Cape (under Random House) adopted a descending number line ending in 1; lowest digit indicates printing
- Absence of any later-printing notation combined with the 'First published' line is the core first-printing signal
Notable points & cautions
- Ian Fleming's James Bond novels were published by Cape — 'Casino Royale' (1953) and especially 'Goldfinger'/'Dr No' have famous dust-jacket and binding points; first-state jackets are decisive for value
- Cape published Joyce, Hemingway (UK), T.E. Lawrence, Roald Dahl (UK adult/children), Ian McEwan — high-demand modern firsts
- Watch for US issues and book-club editions sharing sheets
- Older Cape titles predate number lines — rely on the statement + absence of reprint notes
Imprints
First editions also appear under: The Bodley Head (later corporate sibling under Random House), Cape Poetry, Cape Editions, Jonathan Cape Children's. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Jonathan Cape book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printings state "First published [Year]" or "First published in Great Britain [Year]" on the copyright page with NO additional impression lines and traditionally NO number line Later printings noted by added lines (e.g. 'Second impression [year]', 'Reprinted...') — their presence disqualifies a first
Does Jonathan Cape use a number line?
Later printings noted by added lines (e.g. 'Second impression [year]', 'Reprinted...') — their presence disqualifies a first
Is a book-club edition a Jonathan Cape first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Ian Fleming's James Bond novels were published by Cape — 'Casino Royale' (1953) and especially 'Goldfinger'/'Dr No' have famous dust-jacket and binding points; first-state jackets are decisive for value
What era does this cover?
This covers Jonathan Cape (1921-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.