How to identify a first printing
- Until 1947: NO first-edition statement on US-originated firsts; subsequent printings WERE noted on the copyright page, so the ABSENCE of any later-printing notice is the identifying point for a first. This is the only documented general R&H convention (per the standard ILAB/QBbooks 'First Edition Identification by Publisher' guide).
- For books published after 1947, defer to Harcourt, Brace & Co. identification points, since R&H was absorbed by Harcourt in 1948 and later issues of R&H titles carry Harcourt imprints/points.
- No general device or 'edition' statement marks an R&H first. Identification is title-by-title via established issue points (binding, colophon, dust-jacket price/address) rather than a house-wide rule.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1933 by Eugene Reynal and Curtice Hitchcock; absorbed by Harcourt, Brace in 1948 — later issues of their titles may bear Harcourt imprints and points.
- There is NO general 'tell' for an R&H first beyond the absence of a later-printing notice on the copyright page; the firm did not use a house-wide first-edition device or statement.
- Publisher of Saint-Exupery's 'The Little Prince' (1943) US first, which has its own well-documented points: salmon (not blue) cloth, a 5-line colophon on the final page [p.94], no further printings stated on the copyright page, and a first-issue dust jacket with the printed price and the 386 Fourth Avenue address.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Reynal & Hitchcock. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Reynal & Hitchcock book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Until 1947: NO first-edition statement on US-originated firsts; subsequent printings WERE noted on the copyright page, so the ABSENCE of any later-printing notice is the identifying point for a first. This is the only documented general R&H convention (per the standard ILAB/QBbooks 'First Edition Identification by Publisher' guide). For books published after 1947, defer to Harcourt, Brace & Co. identification points, since R&H was absorbed by Harcourt in 1948 and later issues of R&H titles carry Harcourt imprints/points.
Does Reynal & Hitchcock use a number line?
For books published after 1947, defer to Harcourt, Brace & Co. identification points, since R&H was absorbed by Harcourt in 1948 and later issues of R&H titles carry Harcourt imprints/points.
Is a book-club edition a Reynal & Hitchcock first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1933 by Eugene Reynal and Curtice Hitchcock; absorbed by Harcourt, Brace in 1948 — later issues of their titles may bear Harcourt imprints and points.
What era does this cover?
This covers Reynal & Hitchcock (1933-1948). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.