How to identify a Doubleday first edition
Doubleday prints “First Edition” on the copyright page of first printings and removes it from later ones. It also ran some of the largest book clubs, so check carefully for book club copies.
What to look for, by period
1927 – 2000
“First Edition” under the copyright notice. No statement on later printings.
2001 – today
As before, plus a number line. Later printings drop “First Edition” and show a higher lowest number.
- Tip: Doubleday book club copies look very similar to trade copies: look for a small code printed in the gutter (inner margin) of the last pages, a missing jacket price and a blind-stamped mark on the back board.
Dates are approximate. Imprints and individual titles sometimes differ; for valuable books, check a bibliography of the author.
Check your Doubleday book
New to number lines? Read how to read a number line, and how to spot a book club edition.