How to Identify a The Mysterious Press First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Copyright page states 'First Printing' (often with month and year) plus a descending number line that retains a '1' for the first printing — both present on a true first.
• As the imprint moved through corporate parents (independent → Warner Books → Grand Central / Hachette), follow the prevailing parent's number-line convention; the lowest number present indicates the printing.
• Early independent Mysterious Press (founded 1975 by Otto Penzler) issued numbered/limited signed editions of some titles — look for the limitation page/colophon.

Notable points & cautions

• Distinct from the related 'Otto Penzler Books' and the Armchair Detective Library; don't conflate imprints.
• Some sought-after firsts (Ellroy, Crumley, Block) exist in both a signed/limited state and a trade first — the limitation colophon distinguishes them.
• Because the imprint changed owners, a stated 'First Printing' should be cross-checked against the number line; a full line with '1' is the safest confirmation.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Mysterious Press (Otto Penzler imprint), Mysterious Press (under Warner Books / Grand Central), MysteriousPress.com (e-book revival with Open Road). Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my The Mysterious Press book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Copyright page states 'First Printing' (often with month and year) plus a descending number line that retains a '1' for the first printing — both present on a true first. As the imprint moved through corporate parents (independent → Warner Books → Grand Central / Hachette), follow the prevailing parent's number-line convention; the lowest number present indicates the printing.

Does The Mysterious Press use a number line?

As the imprint moved through corporate parents (independent → Warner Books → Grand Central / Hachette), follow the prevailing parent's number-line convention; the lowest number present indicates the printing.

Is a book-club edition a The Mysterious Press first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Distinct from the related 'Otto Penzler Books' and the Armchair Detective Library; don't conflate imprints.

What era does this cover?

This covers The Mysterious Press (1975-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.