How to identify a Viking first edition
From 1937 Viking used a “First published (in year) by The Viking Press” statement, and added later printing information below it. Number lines arrived in the 1980s.
What to look for, by period
1925 – 1937
No statement; later printings are generally noted.
1937 – 1980s
“Published by The Viking Press in (year)” or a similar form. Later printings add lines such as “Second printing (month year)”.
1980s – today
A number line; the lowest number is the printing.
Dates are approximate. Imprints and individual titles sometimes differ; for valuable books, check a bibliography of the author.
Check your Viking book
New to number lines? Read how to read a number line, and how to spot a book club edition.