How to identify a first printing
- For reprint titles, firsts are flagged "First published [elsewhere/date]" with the Penguin printing noted as "Published in Penguin Books [Year]" — the FIRST PENGUIN PRINTING is identified by 'Published in Penguin Books [year]' with no later Penguin reprint line
- Penguin paperback originals: first printing identified by the dated 'Published... [year]' line and absence of a 'Reprinted' line
- Modern Penguin uses descending number lines ending in 1; lowest digit = printing
- Penguin numbering/series numbers (the historic Penguin number) and cover-design generation help date early printings
Notable points & cautions
- Penguin is overwhelmingly a REPRINT publisher — a 'Penguin first edition' is usually NOT the true first edition of the work (the hardcover elsewhere is); collectors must distinguish 'first Penguin printing' from 'first edition'
- The 1960 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' Penguin (the obscenity-trial edition) is a notable collected printing with its own points
- Allen Lane (hardcover imprint) and Viking are where Penguin-group TRUE firsts appear
- Early Penguins are collected by series number and cover generation rather than edition statements
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Penguin, Pelican, Puffin (children's), Penguin Classics, Penguin Modern Classics, Allen Lane (hardcover), Viking (UK sibling), Ladybird. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Penguin Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. For reprint titles, firsts are flagged "First published [elsewhere/date]" with the Penguin printing noted as "Published in Penguin Books [Year]" — the FIRST PENGUIN PRINTING is identified by 'Published in Penguin Books [year]' with no later Penguin reprint line Penguin paperback originals: first printing identified by the dated 'Published... [year]' line and absence of a 'Reprinted' line
Does Penguin Books use a number line?
Penguin paperback originals: first printing identified by the dated 'Published... [year]' line and absence of a 'Reprinted' line
Is a book-club edition a Penguin Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Penguin is overwhelmingly a REPRINT publisher — a 'Penguin first edition' is usually NOT the true first edition of the work (the hardcover elsewhere is); collectors must distinguish 'first Penguin printing' from 'first edition'
What era does this cover?
This covers Penguin Books (1935-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.