How to identify a first printing
- Midwood used letter/number catalog codes (early F-prefix, later all-numeric 32-xxx and similar) on cover/spine; the code IDs the title and era.
- First printing: no later-printing statement on the copyright page; Midwood seldom reprinted, so essentially all copies are first printings.
- Later 'Midwood-Tower' branding and the Tower sister-imprint numbering mark the post-1964 era.
Notable points & cautions
- Midwood (Harry Shorten, c.1957-1968) was a major paperback-original adult/sleaze house, so the Midwood printing IS the true first; no hardcover exists for these titles.
- Collected for early-career work by later-notable authors: Lawrence Block (as Sheldon Lord), Donald E. Westlake (as Alan Marshall), and Robert Silverberg (as Loren Beauchamp) wrote many of the early numbered Midwood titles under pseudonyms, making those originals sought-after true firsts.
- Paul Rader cover art is a signature collector draw.
- Folded into / rebranded with Tower Publications, also run by Shorten, in the mid-to-late 1960s.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Midwood, Midwood-Tower, Tower (sister), Midwood F-series / 32-series. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Midwood Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Midwood used letter/number catalog codes (early F-prefix, later all-numeric 32-xxx and similar) on cover/spine; the code IDs the title and era. First printing: no later-printing statement on the copyright page; Midwood seldom reprinted, so essentially all copies are first printings.
Does Midwood Books use a number line?
First printing: no later-printing statement on the copyright page; Midwood seldom reprinted, so essentially all copies are first printings.
Is a book-club edition a Midwood Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Midwood (Harry Shorten, c.1957-1968) was a major paperback-original adult/sleaze house, so the Midwood printing IS the true first; no hardcover exists for these titles.
What era does this cover?
This covers Midwood Books (1957-1968). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.