More ways to confirm a first printing
- Number line: from about 1970 to about 2002, a Random House first printing shows 'First Edition' above a number line whose lowest number is 2, with no 1; the second printing keeps the same line and drops 'First Edition'. From about 2003 the house added the 1, so later firsts show 'First Edition' with a line running to 1. Past the tenth printing a 1 can return with a letter beside it (for example 2468B97531), so a 1 in a pre-2003 line is not proof of a first.
- Pre-number-line era: 'First Edition' / 'First Printing' statement, or absence of later-printing notation.
- Borzoi/RH device and pricing on jacket flap; BCEs lack price and have rear-board blind stamp.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1927 by Bennett Cerf and Donald Klopfer (out of the Modern Library reprint business).
- Key Random House point of issue: later printings DROP 'First Edition' from the copyright page, so the statement is what marks the first. On books from about 1970 to 2002, do not expect a 1 in the number line; its absence is normal on a first printing.
- Now the namesake of Penguin Random House; the modern 'First Edition' + line-to-1 convention is the family standard many sibling imprints follow.
- Modern Library is a REPRINT/classics line — not a source of true firsts.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Modern Library, Ballantine (group), Del Rey, Spiegel & Grau (former), One World, Random House Trade Paperbacks, Bennett Cerf legacy. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Random House (trade imprint) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Classic convention (mid-20th c. onward): the words 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page; on a TRUE first that statement appears WITH the number line — and when a later printing occurs, Random House REMOVES the words 'First Edition' (the line alone remains). Number line: from about 1970 to about 2002, a Random House first printing shows 'First Edition' above a number line whose lowest number is 2, with no 1; the second printing keeps the same line and drops 'First Edition'. From about 2003 the house added the 1, so later firsts show 'First Edition' with a line running to 1. Past the tenth printing a 1 can return with a letter beside it (for example 2468B97531), so a 1 in a pre-2003 line is not proof of a first.
Does Random House (trade imprint) use a number line?
Number line: from about 1970 to about 2002, a Random House first printing shows 'First Edition' above a number line whose lowest number is 2, with no 1; the second printing keeps the same line and drops 'First Edition'. From about 2003 the house added the 1, so later firsts show 'First Edition' with a line running to 1. Past the tenth printing a 1 can return with a letter beside it (for example 2468B97531), so a 1 in a pre-2003 line is not proof of a first.
Is a book-club edition a Random House (trade imprint) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1927 by Bennett Cerf and Donald Klopfer (out of the Modern Library reprint business).
What era does this cover?
This covers Random House (trade imprint) (1927–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.
Clearing out a shelf that includes Random House (trade imprint) 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.