How to identify a first printing
- 1935-1970s (Yankee Publishing periodical era): Book output was sporadic and tied to Yankee Magazine. Identify a first printing by a single copyright date and the absence of any later-printing or reprint statement rather than by any 'First Edition' slug.
- 1980s-early 1990s (Yankee Books trade-book era): Many titles state 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' on the copyright page, and a first printing is also commonly confirmed by a descending number line with '1' present as the lowest digit. Some titles were co-published or distributed, so check for any co-publisher or distributor statement on the copyright page.
- Because the trade-book line later changed hands, identify the actual copyright holder printed in the book before applying any single rule, since post-handoff titles may follow the new owner's number-line practice rather than the Dublin house's earlier practice.
Notable points & cautions
- Yankee Publishing, Inc. was founded in 1935 by Robb and Beatrix Sagendorph; it publishes Yankee Magazine and, from 1939, The Old Farmer's Almanac.
- Its list emphasizes regional New England nonfiction, including New Hampshire, Maine, and broader New England history, cooking, crafts, and humor.
- Distinguish the periodical (Yankee Magazine) from the trade-book imprint (Yankee Books) when cataloging, since their identification practices differ.
- The 'Yankee Books' trade-book imprint changed ownership over time, which is why number-line and statement conventions can vary by era and printed copyright holder.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Yankee Books (book division of Yankee Publishing), Yankee Magazine (parent periodical), The Old Farmer's Almanac (related title). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Yankee Books (Yankee Publishing, Inc.) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1935-1970s (Yankee Publishing periodical era): Book output was sporadic and tied to Yankee Magazine. Identify a first printing by a single copyright date and the absence of any later-printing or reprint statement rather than by any 'First Edition' slug. 1980s-early 1990s (Yankee Books trade-book era): Many titles state 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' on the copyright page, and a first printing is also commonly confirmed by a descending number line with '1' present as the lowest digit. Some titles were co-published or distributed, so check for any co-publisher or distributor statement on the copyright page.
Does Yankee Books (Yankee Publishing, Inc.) use a number line?
1980s-early 1990s (Yankee Books trade-book era): Many titles state 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' on the copyright page, and a first printing is also commonly confirmed by a descending number line with '1' present as the lowest digit. Some titles were co-published or distributed, so check for any co-publisher or distributor statement on the copyright page.
Is a book-club edition a Yankee Books (Yankee Publishing, Inc.) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Yankee Publishing, Inc. was founded in 1935 by Robb and Beatrix Sagendorph; it publishes Yankee Magazine and, from 1939, The Old Farmer's Almanac.
What era does this cover?
This covers Yankee Books (Yankee Publishing, Inc.) (1935-present (book imprint principally 1980s-1990s)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.