How to identify a first printing
- c.1924–1928: First editions carry no printing statement; subsequent printings were noted on the copyright page. Absence of a later-printing notice indicates the first printing. This is the generic period convention, so confirm per title rather than relying on it as a house-specific rule.
- Where no statement is present, corroborate priority through binding and dust-jacket state.
Notable points & cautions
- New York literary house founded in 1924 by William Farquhar Payson and James L. Clarke.
- Clarke sold his share in 1927 and Payson left in 1928; the firm passed to Joseph Brewer and Edward Warren, becoming Brewer & Warren and then Brewer, Warren & Putnam before being absorbed by Harcourt, Brace in the early 1930s.
- Published fine and limited editions and some modernist titles; an obscure long-tail imprint of the late 1920s.
- The 'Payson & Clarke' imprint name dates a book to roughly 1924–1928.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: William Farquhar Payson (successor imprint, c.1929), Brewer & Warren / Brewer, Warren & Putnam (successor lineage). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Payson & Clarke, Ltd. book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. c.1924–1928: First editions carry no printing statement; subsequent printings were noted on the copyright page. Absence of a later-printing notice indicates the first printing. This is the generic period convention, so confirm per title rather than relying on it as a house-specific rule. Where no statement is present, corroborate priority through binding and dust-jacket state.
Does Payson & Clarke, Ltd. use a number line?
Where no statement is present, corroborate priority through binding and dust-jacket state.
Is a book-club edition a Payson & Clarke, Ltd. first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. New York literary house founded in 1924 by William Farquhar Payson and James L. Clarke.
What era does this cover?
This covers Payson & Clarke, Ltd. (c.1924–1928). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.