How to identify a first printing
- First printing is identified by a complete descending number line on the copyright page ending in 1; the lowest number present indicates the printing
- As a Penguin Publishing Group imprint, do not rely on a printed "First edition" statement — use the number line
Notable points & cautions
- Business imprint within Penguin Publishing Group, part of Penguin Random House; founded by Adrian Zackheim, who joined Penguin in September 2001
- Sentinel is its conservative-politics sister imprint, also founded by Zackheim
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Portfolio, Sentinel (sister political imprint), Thesis, The Optimism Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Portfolio book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printing is identified by a complete descending number line on the copyright page ending in 1; the lowest number present indicates the printing As a Penguin Publishing Group imprint, do not rely on a printed "First edition" statement — use the number line
Does Portfolio use a number line?
As a Penguin Publishing Group imprint, do not rely on a printed "First edition" statement — use the number line
Is a book-club edition a Portfolio first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Business imprint within Penguin Publishing Group, part of Penguin Random House; founded by Adrian Zackheim, who joined Penguin in September 2001
What era does this cover?
This covers Portfolio (2001–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.