More ways to confirm a first printing
- On 1980s titles, a number line appears on later printings only
Notable points & cautions
- Counter-intuitive: a number line on a 1980s Viking usually signals a later printing, not a first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Viking Press / Penguin book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. “First Published by Viking in [Year]” statement (1937–present) On 1980s titles, a number line appears on later printings only
Does Viking Press / Penguin use a number line?
On 1980s titles, a number line appears on later printings only
Is a book-club edition a Viking Press / Penguin first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Counter-intuitive: a number line on a 1980s Viking usually signals a later printing, not a first.
What era does this cover?
This covers Viking Press / Penguin. Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.
Viking Press / Penguin titles with documented first-edition points
Each link opens that title’s specific points of issue — the exact marks that separate a true first printing from a later one.
- Gallows View (Peter Robinson, 1987)
Clearing out a shelf that includes Viking Press / Penguin books? I take books as a free donation and make sure collectible copies are identified, not discarded: free pickup in the Albuquerque metro (scheduled by route), the 24/7 drop box at 5445 Edith Blvd NE, or donor-paid mail-in from anywhere in the US. Call or text 505-250-3804.