How to identify a first printing
- The firm began as Classic Motorbooks, an importer of foreign car, motorcycle, and racing books, and started publishing its own titles in 1973. Early first printings carry no later-printing notation or state 'First published'; subsequent printings add a printing line.
- On later MBI/Motorbooks titles a number line appears on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a line containing '1' is a first printing. Many titles also carry a stated 'First published in [year]' line that confirms the original year.
- Under Quarto Group ownership (from 2007) the imprint follows Quarto house style: a number line with the lowest digit indicating the printing, plus a 'First published' date. The Crestline imprint is a reprint/bargain hardcover line, so a Crestline edition is not the original first edition of a given title.
Notable points & cautions
- A dominant US enthusiast publisher for cars, motorcycles, tractors, and aviation; firsts of early marque monographs are collected.
- Sat alongside Zenith Press (military) and Voyageur Press; the current 'Motorbooks' is a Quarto Group imprint, acquired in 2007.
- Co-editions with overseas houses occur; co-edition title pages may carry a partner imprint.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Motorbooks, MBI Publishing, Crestline (reprint/bargain hardcover line), Zenith Press (military), Voyageur Press (sister). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing Company) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. The firm began as Classic Motorbooks, an importer of foreign car, motorcycle, and racing books, and started publishing its own titles in 1973. Early first printings carry no later-printing notation or state 'First published'; subsequent printings add a printing line. On later MBI/Motorbooks titles a number line appears on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a line containing '1' is a first printing. Many titles also carry a stated 'First published in [year]' line that confirms the original year.
Does Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing Company) use a number line?
On later MBI/Motorbooks titles a number line appears on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a line containing '1' is a first printing. Many titles also carry a stated 'First published in [year]' line that confirms the original year.
Is a book-club edition a Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing Company) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. A dominant US enthusiast publisher for cars, motorcycles, tractors, and aviation; firsts of early marque monographs are collected.
What era does this cover?
This covers Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing Company) (1973-present (began publishing its own books in 1973; Quarto ownership from 2007)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.