How to identify a first printing
- First editions carry no mark of identification; they are recognized by the fact that second, third and later printings are always marked with a notice to that effect on the copyright page. The absence of any such notice indicates the first printing.
- The exact imprint wording helps bracket the date — 'J. H. Sears & Company' for the earlier issues and 'Sears Publishing Company' for the later ones.
- Because the convention is purely the absence of a reprint notice, confirm priority per title and, where possible, corroborate with binding and jacket state.
Notable points & cautions
- Small New York trade house of the late 1920s–early 1930s, founded by Joseph Hamblen Sears (formerly of Harper and later president of D. Appleton & Company). Not related to Sears, Roebuck.
- Tied to the Kingsport Press in Tennessee and issued US Readers Library titles in the 1920s.
- A casualty of the Depression: J. H. Sears & Company was sold to Dodd, Mead & Company for a token sum in 1934, so any Sears imprint is itself a useful dating point.
- Identification relies almost entirely on the no-statement / reprint-noted convention plus the exact imprint wording.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Sears Publishing Co., J. H. Sears & Company. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Sears Publishing Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First editions carry no mark of identification; they are recognized by the fact that second, third and later printings are always marked with a notice to that effect on the copyright page. The absence of any such notice indicates the first printing. The exact imprint wording helps bracket the date — 'J. H. Sears & Company' for the earlier issues and 'Sears Publishing Company' for the later ones.
Does Sears Publishing Company use a number line?
The exact imprint wording helps bracket the date — 'J. H. Sears & Company' for the earlier issues and 'Sears Publishing Company' for the later ones.
Is a book-club edition a Sears Publishing Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Small New York trade house of the late 1920s–early 1930s, founded by Joseph Hamblen Sears (formerly of Harper and later president of D. Appleton & Company). Not related to Sears, Roebuck.
What era does this cover?
This covers Sears Publishing Company (c.1924–1934). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.