How to identify a first printing
- 1962-c.1987: Most first printings carry a number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit (1) present indicates the first printing (dealer-confirmed examples show lines such as '9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1').
- Where no number line appears, identify the first by the absence of any later-printing statement, treating that as supporting rather than conclusive evidence.
- Beware UK/US co-editions: Stein and Day frequently issued American editions of British books, so the true world first may be the British printing rather than the Stein and Day issue — confirm before calling a Stein and Day copy 'the first.'
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1962 by Sol Stein and Patricia Day; an independent trade house known for fiction, true crime, and commercial non-fiction.
- Went bankrupt in 1987 and ceased operating by 1989; assets reorganized under the Scarborough House name.
- Co-edition status matters: confirm whether a Stein and Day printing is the world first or an American reprint of a British original.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Stein and Day, Scarborough House (successor). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Stein and Day book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1962-c.1987: Most first printings carry a number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit (1) present indicates the first printing (dealer-confirmed examples show lines such as '9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'). Where no number line appears, identify the first by the absence of any later-printing statement, treating that as supporting rather than conclusive evidence.
Does Stein and Day use a number line?
Where no number line appears, identify the first by the absence of any later-printing statement, treating that as supporting rather than conclusive evidence.
Is a book-club edition a Stein and Day first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1962 by Sol Stein and Patricia Day; an independent trade house known for fiction, true crime, and commercial non-fiction.
What era does this cover?
This covers Stein and Day (1962-1989). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.