How to identify a first printing
- 1840s–1850s (T.B. Peterson): no first-edition statement; a cheap-literature and reprint house, so first printing is identified by the dated title page and the single-name imprint. Many titles are American reprints of British novels, where 'first edition' means first American printing.
- 1850s–1890s (T.B. Peterson & Brothers): identify the period by the '& Brothers' imprint, and judge first issue by title-page date, copyright date, and bound-in advertisement/catalog dates. The inserted publisher's catalog (often dated or listing the newest titles) is a key issue tell because plates were reused for years.
- Paper-cover/cheap editions: priority between cloth and wrappers issues is determined by advertisements and the price on the wrappers, not by any printed statement.
- Charles Dickens and popular-fiction reprints: Peterson issued many simultaneous and competing American editions, so the first American printing is established by advertisement state and catalog dating rather than by a statement.
Notable points & cautions
- Major Philadelphia popular-fiction and cheap-reprint publisher; issued Mrs. E.D.E.N. Southworth, early American Dickens editions, and sensational fiction.
- Heavy plate-reuse means catalog/advertisement dating is essential for distinguishing first from later printings.
- Distinct from Peterson's Magazine (Charles J. Peterson) — watch the imprint carefully.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: T.B. Peterson, T.B. Peterson & Brothers, Peterson's (paper-cover series). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my T.B. Peterson & Brothers book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1840s–1850s (T.B. Peterson): no first-edition statement; a cheap-literature and reprint house, so first printing is identified by the dated title page and the single-name imprint. Many titles are American reprints of British novels, where 'first edition' means first American printing. 1850s–1890s (T.B. Peterson & Brothers): identify the period by the '& Brothers' imprint, and judge first issue by title-page date, copyright date, and bound-in advertisement/catalog dates. The inserted publisher's catalog (often dated or listing the newest titles) is a key issue tell because plates were reused for years.
Does T.B. Peterson & Brothers use a number line?
1850s–1890s (T.B. Peterson & Brothers): identify the period by the '& Brothers' imprint, and judge first issue by title-page date, copyright date, and bound-in advertisement/catalog dates. The inserted publisher's catalog (often dated or listing the newest titles) is a key issue tell because plates were reused for years.
Is a book-club edition a T.B. Peterson & Brothers first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Major Philadelphia popular-fiction and cheap-reprint publisher; issued Mrs. E.D.E.N. Southworth, early American Dickens editions, and sensational fiction.
What era does this cover?
This covers T.B. Peterson & Brothers (c.1845–c.1898). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.