How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page reads 'First published in [year] by Polygon' with a descending number line on modern titles; a first printing has the digit 1 present.
- Post-2002 titles state 'Polygon, an imprint of Birlinn Ltd' (West Newington House, Edinburgh); that wording dates the edition to the Birlinn era.
- Pre-2002 Polygon titles (student press, then under Edinburgh University Press) carry the earlier imprint and address; use these to separate the eras.
Notable points & cautions
- Originated in the late 1960s as a student-run press at the University of Edinburgh; the fiction imprint became part of Edinburgh University Press in 1988, then was sold to Birlinn Ltd in 2002.
- Publishes Scottish literary fiction and poetry (Alexander McCall Smith UK editions, George Mackay Brown, Robin Jenkins, and later Graeme Macrae Burnet and others).
- The ownership change from EUP to Birlinn in 2002 is the key era tell and changes the imprint line on the copyright page.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Polygon (imprint of Birlinn Ltd). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Polygon book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page reads 'First published in [year] by Polygon' with a descending number line on modern titles; a first printing has the digit 1 present. Post-2002 titles state 'Polygon, an imprint of Birlinn Ltd' (West Newington House, Edinburgh); that wording dates the edition to the Birlinn era.
Does Polygon use a number line?
Post-2002 titles state 'Polygon, an imprint of Birlinn Ltd' (West Newington House, Edinburgh); that wording dates the edition to the Birlinn era.
Is a book-club edition a Polygon first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Originated in the late 1960s as a student-run press at the University of Edinburgh; the fiction imprint became part of Edinburgh University Press in 1988, then was sold to Birlinn Ltd in 2002.
What era does this cover?
This covers Polygon (1969-present (Birlinn-owned 2002-present)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.