How to identify a first printing
- 1900-c.1920: founded in 1900 in Akron by Arthur J. Saalfield (formerly of the Werner Company); early linen, muslin, and cloth picture books carry no edition statement. Date by the Akron imprint and copyright year, with the first printing surmised from the earliest copyright state.
- 1920s-1930s: high-volume coloring books, paper dolls, and 'Little Big Books' (Saalfield's answer to Whitman's Big Little Books, begun c.1934). These rarely state an edition or printing; identify the first issue by series or stock number, copyright date, and cover-artwork state, since many titles were reprinted under the same number for years.
- 1930s Shirley Temple titles: Saalfield held licenses for Shirley Temple books and paper dolls (ten paper-doll sets between 1934 and 1942); first issues are identified by copyright year, original price, and series number rather than a printing statement.
- c.1940s-1977: continued coloring and activity books with no consistent first-printing identifier; dating relies on stock numbers, price, and copyright. Saalfield ceased operations in 1977 (archives went to Kent State University).
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 1900 in Akron by Arthur J. Saalfield; one of the largest producers of inexpensive children's books, coloring books, paper dolls, and linen books in the early-to-mid 20th century.
- Produced 'Little Big Books' to compete with Whitman's Big Little Books format beginning around 1934.
- Held the Shirley Temple license and issued ten Shirley Temple paper-doll sets between 1934 and 1942.
- Rarely used explicit edition statements; collectors rely on series and stock numbers, copyright dates, prices, and cover-art states. The company closed in 1977 and its archive was acquired by Kent State University.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Saalfield, Saalfield Publishing Co., Saalfield Muslin/Linen Books, Little Big Books. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my The Saalfield Publishing Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1900-c.1920: founded in 1900 in Akron by Arthur J. Saalfield (formerly of the Werner Company); early linen, muslin, and cloth picture books carry no edition statement. Date by the Akron imprint and copyright year, with the first printing surmised from the earliest copyright state. 1920s-1930s: high-volume coloring books, paper dolls, and 'Little Big Books' (Saalfield's answer to Whitman's Big Little Books, begun c.1934). These rarely state an edition or printing; identify the first issue by series or stock number, copyright date, and cover-artwork state, since many titles were reprinted under the same number for years.
Does The Saalfield Publishing Company use a number line?
1920s-1930s: high-volume coloring books, paper dolls, and 'Little Big Books' (Saalfield's answer to Whitman's Big Little Books, begun c.1934). These rarely state an edition or printing; identify the first issue by series or stock number, copyright date, and cover-artwork state, since many titles were reprinted under the same number for years.
Is a book-club edition a The Saalfield Publishing Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 1900 in Akron by Arthur J. Saalfield; one of the largest producers of inexpensive children's books, coloring books, paper dolls, and linen books in the early-to-mid 20th century.
What era does this cover?
This covers The Saalfield Publishing Company (1900-1977). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.