What is the difference between first edition and first impression?

Likewise, when we say ‘first edition’ we always mean ‘first edition, first impression’. The only difference between the terms impression and printing is that the latter is generally applied to books published in the United States, while impression serves for books published elsewhere.

Is edition the same as impression?

In ABC for Book Collectors John Carter tells us “Strictly speaking, an edition comprises all copies of a book printed at any time or times from one setting-up of type without substantial change (including copies printed from stereotype, electrotype or similar plates made from that setting of type); while an impression …

What does first impression mean on a book?

Printing. Printing and impression are generally synonymous and refer to the copies of a book printed at the same time from the same plates. The first printing / impression would be those books that were printed in the first batch.

Which is the first edition, first impression?

First edition, first printing is usually the only edition to really care about. * In the UK the typographical arrangement is protected under copyright. There seems to be a bit of crystal ball gazing going on if your edition was printed in 1998 and it also tells of a fifth impression being printed in 1999.

Which is the 5th printing of the fifth impression?

Your copy is the 5th printing by Gollancz. First edition, first printing is usually the only edition to really care about. * In the UK the typographical arrangement is protected under copyright. There seems to be a bit of crystal ball gazing going on if your edition was printed in 1998 and it also tells of a fifth impression being printed in 1999.

What do you call the second impression of a book?

If he reuses the same setting of type the next group of copies he prints is called the second impression. These copies usually look the same as the first impression, but they are not considered true first editions by collectors, so we don’t describe the book as ‘first edition, second impression’. Instead, we just say ‘second impression’.

When do publishers make an impression of a book?

Generally an impression is when they print off another load of books using the same set-up. Publishers will make it a new edition when they re-set the type*, make corrections, or just sometimes when they feel like.

Which is the first printing of a book?

The first commercial print run of a novel is called the first printing of the first edition. If that first group sells out then another batch of books is printed. The new batch will now will be labeled second printing of the first edition. The first edition continues until the book is changed.