How to identify a first printing
- When a printing statement is present, first printings read 'First Edition' on the copyright page.
- If a number line is present, read the printing from the lowest number shown; a '1' present indicates a first printing. Some titles may carry no number line, in which case rely on the stated printing.
- Later printings drop the lowest number or revise the statement.
Notable points & cautions
- Independent Los Angeles press co-founded in 2014 by Chris Heiser and Olivia Taylor Smith; Heiser has been publisher since founding. Smith moved to Simon & Schuster in 2022.
- Launched the Smith & Taylor Classics imprint in 2024 to reissue overlooked classics.
- Not individually documented in print bibliographies; the convention above is the modern US trade default applied to the house, not a verified house-specific rule. Medium confidence.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Smith & Taylor Classics. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Unnamed Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. When a printing statement is present, first printings read 'First Edition' on the copyright page. If a number line is present, read the printing from the lowest number shown; a '1' present indicates a first printing. Some titles may carry no number line, in which case rely on the stated printing.
Does Unnamed Press use a number line?
If a number line is present, read the printing from the lowest number shown; a '1' present indicates a first printing. Some titles may carry no number line, in which case rely on the stated printing.
Is a book-club edition a Unnamed Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Independent Los Angeles press co-founded in 2014 by Chris Heiser and Olivia Taylor Smith; Heiser has been publisher since founding. Smith moved to Simon & Schuster in 2022.
What era does this cover?
This covers Unnamed Press (2014–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.