How to identify a first printing
- 1926-c.1950: first editions generally carry no printing statement; identify a first by the absence of any later-printing notice and by matching the earliest UK or US (1933+) imprint state. Distinguish the UK first from the US first, since both exist for many titles; UK firsts commonly add a 'First Published [month, year]' line while US firsts typically show no statement.
- c.1950-1973: later printings are noted on the copyright page, so the absence of a later-printing notice indicates a first printing; some titles add 'First published in [year]'.
- 1973 onward (US, under Universal Press Syndicate as Sheed Andrews and McMeel / Sheed & Ward): follows Andrews McMeel number-line conventions, with the lowest digit (1) present indicating a first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Catholic publishing house founded 1926 in London by Frank Sheed and Maisie Ward; the head office moved to New York City in 1933.
- Key collectible authors include Chesterton, Ronald Knox, Christopher Dawson, and other mid-century Catholic intellectuals.
- The US arm was acquired by Universal Press Syndicate in 1973 and became the base of Andrews McMeel; the Sheed & Ward name continued on a religious-publishing list under later owners and was acquired by Rowman & Littlefield in 2002.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Sheed & Ward, Stagbooks (paperback), Sheed Andrews and McMeel (post-1973 US). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Sheed & Ward book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1926-c.1950: first editions generally carry no printing statement; identify a first by the absence of any later-printing notice and by matching the earliest UK or US (1933+) imprint state. Distinguish the UK first from the US first, since both exist for many titles; UK firsts commonly add a 'First Published [month, year]' line while US firsts typically show no statement. c.1950-1973: later printings are noted on the copyright page, so the absence of a later-printing notice indicates a first printing; some titles add 'First published in [year]'.
Does Sheed & Ward use a number line?
c.1950-1973: later printings are noted on the copyright page, so the absence of a later-printing notice indicates a first printing; some titles add 'First published in [year]'.
Is a book-club edition a Sheed & Ward first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Catholic publishing house founded 1926 in London by Frank Sheed and Maisie Ward; the head office moved to New York City in 1933.
What era does this cover?
This covers Sheed & Ward (1926-present (classic era 1926-1973)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.