How to identify a first printing
- Pre-mid-1920s: no statement on firsts; only later printings were noted (rely on negative evidence + dating)
- Mid-1920s onward: "First published [Year]" stated on the copyright page of first editions; later printings noted
- Modern Pan Macmillan/Picador titles use a number line ending in 1; lowest digit = printing
- First printing = era-appropriate statement (or, pre-1920s, absence of any reprint note) with no later-impression lines
Notable points & cautions
- One of the oldest UK houses (1843): Tennyson, Hardy, Kipling, Yeats, Lewis Carroll (Macmillan published 'Alice')
- Pre-1920s 'no statement' policy makes Victorian/Edwardian Macmillan firsts dependent on advertisement dating and binding states
- Distinct from the US Macmillan company (separated mid-20th c.) — provenance matters for transatlantic authors
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Pan Books (paperback), Picador, Pan Macmillan, Macmillan Children's, Sidgwick & Jackson (acquired), St. Martin's Press (US sibling). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Macmillan (UK) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Pre-mid-1920s: no statement on firsts; only later printings were noted (rely on negative evidence + dating) Mid-1920s onward: "First published [Year]" stated on the copyright page of first editions; later printings noted
Does Macmillan (UK) use a number line?
Mid-1920s onward: "First published [Year]" stated on the copyright page of first editions; later printings noted
Is a book-club edition a Macmillan (UK) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. One of the oldest UK houses (1843): Tennyson, Hardy, Kipling, Yeats, Lewis Carroll (Macmillan published 'Alice')
What era does this cover?
This covers Macmillan (UK) (1843-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.