How to identify a first printing
- c.1900s-1930s: a publisher of inexpensive children's linen and cloth ('Linenette') books, paper dolls, and games. First printings carry no edition statement; identify a copy by the series or stock number, the copyright year where one is present, and the cover-art state. Many titles were reprinted under the same stock number for years, so the earliest printing is surmised from the earliest art and format state.
Notable points & cautions
- Children's novelty, linen-book, and game publisher in the Saalfield and McLoughlin Brothers vein; some titles were printed in Germany.
- Identification is by stock number, copyright year, and cover-art state, since there are no edition statements.
- Frequently undated; rely on series numbers and format. The 'Linenette' trade name appears on the durable cloth-page editions (e.g., Peter Rabbit as Linenette no. 522, Three Little Kittens as no. 670).
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Sam'l Gabriel Sons & Co., Gabriel, Linenette Books. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Samuel Gabriel Sons & Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. c.1900s-1930s: a publisher of inexpensive children's linen and cloth ('Linenette') books, paper dolls, and games. First printings carry no edition statement; identify a copy by the series or stock number, the copyright year where one is present, and the cover-art state. Many titles were reprinted under the same stock number for years, so the earliest printing is surmised from the earliest art and format state.
Does Samuel Gabriel Sons & Company use a number line?
c.1900s-1930s: a publisher of inexpensive children's linen and cloth ('Linenette') books, paper dolls, and games. First printings carry no edition statement; identify a copy by the series or stock number, the copyright year where one is present, and the cover-art state. Many titles were reprinted under the same stock number for years, so the earliest printing is surmised from the earliest art and format state.
Is a book-club edition a Samuel Gabriel Sons & Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Children's novelty, linen-book, and game publisher in the Saalfield and McLoughlin Brothers vein; some titles were printed in Germany.
What era does this cover?
This covers Samuel Gabriel Sons & Company (c.1900-c.1940). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.