How to identify a first printing
- 1858–1909: Cincinnati scholarly, legal, and regional/Western-Americana publisher and bookseller (successor to H. W. Derby & Co.). First editions carry the 'Robert Clarke & Co., Cincinnati' imprint with a dated title page; the house used no 'First Edition' statement, so identify by imprint form and the absence of any later-printing notice.
- Ohio Valley Historical Series and Americana reprints: the series volume number and dated title page identify the issue; reprints of older works are explicitly noted as such.
- After incorporation in 1894 the imprint becomes 'The Robert Clarke Company,' which brackets later issues to 1894 and after.
Notable points & cautions
- A leading 19th-century Cincinnati publisher and bookseller of law books, scholarly works, and Ohio Valley/Western Americana.
- Important for regional Midwest historical first editions; standard 19th-century date- and issue-point identification applies (no printed first-edition statement).
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Robert Clarke & Co., The Robert Clarke Company, Ohio Valley Historical Series. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Robert Clarke & Co. book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1858–1909: Cincinnati scholarly, legal, and regional/Western-Americana publisher and bookseller (successor to H. W. Derby & Co.). First editions carry the 'Robert Clarke & Co., Cincinnati' imprint with a dated title page; the house used no 'First Edition' statement, so identify by imprint form and the absence of any later-printing notice. Ohio Valley Historical Series and Americana reprints: the series volume number and dated title page identify the issue; reprints of older works are explicitly noted as such.
Does Robert Clarke & Co. use a number line?
Ohio Valley Historical Series and Americana reprints: the series volume number and dated title page identify the issue; reprints of older works are explicitly noted as such.
Is a book-club edition a Robert Clarke & Co. first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. A leading 19th-century Cincinnati publisher and bookseller of law books, scholarly works, and Ohio Valley/Western Americana.
What era does this cover?
This covers Robert Clarke & Co. (1858–1909). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.