How to identify a first printing
- 1979-2011: Mainstream Canadian trade house. First printings are identified by the standard descending number line on the copyright page (e.g. '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1') with the digit '1' present, and/or a 'First edition' / 'First published' statement. A dated copyright page carrying no 'Reprinted' / later-printing notice indicates a first printing.
- Where a title carries both a printing line and a separate year cluster, the lowest digit of each indicates the impression and its year. Confirm against the dated copyright statement rather than relying on the number line alone.
- 2011: Operations ceased in January 2011; backlist dispersed.
Notable points & cautions
- Major Canadian trade house founded in 1979 by Anna Porter (formerly managing editor at McClelland & Stewart), strong in Canadian non-fiction, politics, illustrated books and some fiction.
- Porter sold her stake in 2004; a controlling interest passed to H.B. Fenn that year.
- Ceased operations in January 2011, citing thin margins and the shift to e-books.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Key Porter, Key Porter Kids. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Key Porter Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1979-2011: Mainstream Canadian trade house. First printings are identified by the standard descending number line on the copyright page (e.g. '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1') with the digit '1' present, and/or a 'First edition' / 'First published' statement. A dated copyright page carrying no 'Reprinted' / later-printing notice indicates a first printing. Where a title carries both a printing line and a separate year cluster, the lowest digit of each indicates the impression and its year. Confirm against the dated copyright statement rather than relying on the number line alone.
Does Key Porter Books use a number line?
Where a title carries both a printing line and a separate year cluster, the lowest digit of each indicates the impression and its year. Confirm against the dated copyright statement rather than relying on the number line alone.
Is a book-club edition a Key Porter Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Major Canadian trade house founded in 1979 by Anna Porter (formerly managing editor at McClelland & Stewart), strong in Canadian non-fiction, politics, illustrated books and some fiction.
What era does this cover?
This covers Key Porter Books (1979-2011). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.