How to Identify a Phaidon Press First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Copyright page: 'First published [by Phaidon Press] [year]' is the primary first-edition signal; a true first shows only that first-published line with no later 'Reprinted' or 'revised edition' entries beneath it.
• Phaidon historically does NOT rely on a descending number line for most art titles; subsequent printings are marked by adding 'Reprinted 20xx' lines, so a first is identified by the absence of those reprint lines.
• Where a number line appears on newer titles, apply standard rules (lowest number present indicates the printing).
• Edition revisions ('Second edition', 'Revised and expanded') are stated explicitly and constitute a new edition, not a first.

Notable points & cautions

• Founded in Vienna (1923) and later based in London; pre-WWII Phaidon Verlag (Vienna) imprints are distinct early issues, so the first-published year and imprint location both matter for dating.
• Iconic reference titles such as Gombrich's The Story of Art and The Art Book run through many editions and reprints, so a true first edition must be distinguished from later revised editions by the stated edition and any added reprint lines.
• Phaidon 55 (Photography 55) pocket monographs are a uniform series; firsts are identified by the first-published year on the colophon.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Phaidon, Phaidon Press, Phaidon (Focus series), Phaidon 55s (Photography 55 / 'Phaidon 55' pocket series), Phaidon Atlas (architecture), Hanuman Books / other distributed lines. Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

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

Check the copyright page. Copyright page: 'First published [by Phaidon Press] [year]' is the primary first-edition signal; a true first shows only that first-published line with no later 'Reprinted' or 'revised edition' entries beneath it. Phaidon historically does NOT rely on a descending number line for most art titles; subsequent printings are marked by adding 'Reprinted 20xx' lines, so a first is identified by the absence of those reprint lines.

Does Phaidon Press use a number line?

Phaidon historically does NOT rely on a descending number line for most art titles; subsequent printings are marked by adding 'Reprinted 20xx' lines, so a first is identified by the absence of those reprint lines.

Is a book-club edition a Phaidon Press first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in Vienna (1923) and later based in London; pre-WWII Phaidon Verlag (Vienna) imprints are distinct early issues, so the first-published year and imprint location both matter for dating.

What era does this cover?

This covers Phaidon Press (1923-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.