How to identify a first printing
- 1938-1950s (digest-sized mysteries): all three lines are abridged digest reprints, each with its own letter+number code on the cover/spine - Bestseller Mystery (B prefix), Mercury Mystery, and Jonathan Press (J prefix). The code identifies the title; the first printing is shown by the absence of any reprint or later-printing notice on the copyright page.
- Bestseller Library launched 1938 and was split in 1940 into Mercury Mysteries and Bestseller Mysteries; Jonathan Press Mystery launched in 1942 - use the line and code range to bracket the date.
- These were almost always abridged reprints of existing hardcovers, so the digest is rarely the text's first edition; the 'first' point applies only to that digest printing - earliest digest printing means no later-printing statement and the original cover price.
- Stapled digest format (not perfect-bound) and pulp paper are era tells for the 1940s issues; later issues moved to slightly larger formats.
Notable points & cautions
- Owned and run by Lawrence E. Spivak (later moderator of 'Meet the Press'), business manager then publisher of The American Mercury.
- Reprinted Allingham, Christie, Gardner, Hammett, Queen, Simenon, Stout and Woolrich - usually in abridged/condensed form.
- Digest size distinguishes these from standard mass-market paperbacks; collectors prize complete, unmarked digests.
- The cover code prefix (B / Mercury number / J) is the quickest line-identifier.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Bestseller Mystery (originally Bestseller Library), Mercury Mystery, Jonathan Press Mystery, American Mercury. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Mercury Mystery / Jonathan Press / Bestseller Mystery (Mercury Publications) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1938-1950s (digest-sized mysteries): all three lines are abridged digest reprints, each with its own letter+number code on the cover/spine - Bestseller Mystery (B prefix), Mercury Mystery, and Jonathan Press (J prefix). The code identifies the title; the first printing is shown by the absence of any reprint or later-printing notice on the copyright page. Bestseller Library launched 1938 and was split in 1940 into Mercury Mysteries and Bestseller Mysteries; Jonathan Press Mystery launched in 1942 - use the line and code range to bracket the date.
Does Mercury Mystery / Jonathan Press / Bestseller Mystery (Mercury Publications) use a number line?
Bestseller Library launched 1938 and was split in 1940 into Mercury Mysteries and Bestseller Mysteries; Jonathan Press Mystery launched in 1942 - use the line and code range to bracket the date.
Is a book-club edition a Mercury Mystery / Jonathan Press / Bestseller Mystery (Mercury Publications) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Owned and run by Lawrence E. Spivak (later moderator of 'Meet the Press'), business manager then publisher of The American Mercury.
What era does this cover?
This covers Mercury Mystery / Jonathan Press / Bestseller Mystery (Mercury Publications) (1938-1950s). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.