How to identify a first printing
- From roughly 1925 onward a first-thus is usually identified by the statement "First Modern Library Edition" (or similar) on the copyright page
- Earliest Boni & Liveright-era titles (1917 to about 1925) are NOT marked as firsts and must be dated by the list of other Modern Library titles printed within the volume, by binding, and by dust-jacket points
- Modern reissues use a publisher number line; on a first printing it descends to 1
Notable points & cautions
- Primarily a reprint and classics series, so a Modern Library volume is generally NOT the true first edition of the underlying text; it is collected for format, binding, dust-jacket and series points rather than for textual priority
- Series and dust-jacket dating is heavily reliant on Henry Toledano's reference work and the spine/number identifiers used since 1917
- Now published within Random House (Penguin Random House)
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Modern Library. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Modern Library book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. From roughly 1925 onward a first-thus is usually identified by the statement "First Modern Library Edition" (or similar) on the copyright page Earliest Boni & Liveright-era titles (1917 to about 1925) are NOT marked as firsts and must be dated by the list of other Modern Library titles printed within the volume, by binding, and by dust-jacket points
Does Modern Library use a number line?
Earliest Boni & Liveright-era titles (1917 to about 1925) are NOT marked as firsts and must be dated by the list of other Modern Library titles printed within the volume, by binding, and by dust-jacket points
Is a book-club edition a Modern Library first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Primarily a reprint and classics series, so a Modern Library volume is generally NOT the true first edition of the underlying text; it is collected for format, binding, dust-jacket and series points rather than for textual priority
What era does this cover?
This covers Modern Library (1917-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.