How to identify a first printing
- First printings show a descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing.
- The copyright page typically credits North Atlantic Books with the first-printing year, and some titles add a printing-history note.
- In later years North Atlantic has been distributed by Penguin Random House; distributor information on the page does not affect the number-line first-printing rule.
Notable points & cautions
- Nonprofit publisher operating as the Society for the Study of Native Arts and Sciences, covering somatics and bodywork, alternative medicine and healing, martial arts, ecology, and spirituality.
- Founded in Vermont in 1974 and operating from Berkeley, California since 1977.
- Frog Books (originally Frog Ltd., founded 1993 as a sister company) and Blue Snake Books are active imprints; some titles are co-published, so confirm the imprint named on the copyright page.
- Smaller or older titles may state little beyond a copyright year; rely on the absence of a reprint notice together with the number line.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Blue Snake Books (martial arts), Frog Books / Frog Ltd. (founded 1993 as a sister company, now an imprint), Evolver Editions, North Atlantic (homeopathy / somatics lists). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my North Atlantic Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printings show a descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing. The copyright page typically credits North Atlantic Books with the first-printing year, and some titles add a printing-history note.
Does North Atlantic Books use a number line?
The copyright page typically credits North Atlantic Books with the first-printing year, and some titles add a printing-history note.
Is a book-club edition a North Atlantic Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Nonprofit publisher operating as the Society for the Study of Native Arts and Sciences, covering somatics and bodywork, alternative medicine and healing, martial arts, ecology, and spirituality.
What era does this cover?
This covers North Atlantic Books (1974-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.