How to identify a first printing
- 1922–1924 (as Covici-McGee): First editions state 'First Printing' on the copyright page. Some references also note a number convention — '1' on the copyright page of a first printing, '2' on a second, and so on.
- c.1924–1928 (as Pascal Covici): Small-press practice — first printings occasionally carry a 'First Edition'/'First Printing' notice but are more often identified simply by the absence of any later-printing statement; many titles are limited editions with explicit limitation statements.
- Verify limited-versus-trade issue via the limitation page where present.
Notable points & cautions
- Pascal Covici and partner William 'Billy' McGee opened a Chicago bookshop and press as Covici-McGee in 1922.
- McGee left in 1924 (ill health), after which Covici published under his own 'Pascal Covici' imprint until relocating to New York in 1928 to form Covici-Friede.
- Published Ben Hecht and figures of the Chicago Renaissance circle; the Chicago imprints are scarcer and date a book to 1922–1928.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Covici-McGee (1922–1924 predecessor). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Pascal Covici (Chicago imprint) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1922–1924 (as Covici-McGee): First editions state 'First Printing' on the copyright page. Some references also note a number convention — '1' on the copyright page of a first printing, '2' on a second, and so on. c.1924–1928 (as Pascal Covici): Small-press practice — first printings occasionally carry a 'First Edition'/'First Printing' notice but are more often identified simply by the absence of any later-printing statement; many titles are limited editions with explicit limitation statements.
Does Pascal Covici (Chicago imprint) use a number line?
c.1924–1928 (as Pascal Covici): Small-press practice — first printings occasionally carry a 'First Edition'/'First Printing' notice but are more often identified simply by the absence of any later-printing statement; many titles are limited editions with explicit limitation statements.
Is a book-club edition a Pascal Covici (Chicago imprint) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Pascal Covici and partner William 'Billy' McGee opened a Chicago bookshop and press as Covici-McGee in 1922.
What era does this cover?
This covers Pascal Covici (Chicago imprint) (1922–1928). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.