The fastest check: “First printing” (US, 1936+)
How to identify a first printing
- “First printing” (US, 1936+)
- “First Published [Year]” (UK, mid-1920s+)
- Number line (1970s–present)
Decode the printer's key: paste the number line into the number-line decoder, or run any book through the first-edition identifier.
Notable points & cautions
- US and UK Macmillan conventions differ — establish which imprint you hold first.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Pan Macmillan. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Macmillan book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. “First printing” (US, 1936+) “First Published [Year]” (UK, mid-1920s+)
Does Macmillan use a number line?
“First Published [Year]” (UK, mid-1920s+)
Is a book-club edition a Macmillan first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. US and UK Macmillan conventions differ — establish which imprint you hold first.
What era does this cover?
This covers Macmillan. Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.