How to Identify a Scribner First Edition

Charles Scribner’s Sons (commonly called “Scribner” or “Scribners”) is one of the most important American publishers for collectors of modern first editions. The house published Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Edith Wharton, Ring Lardner, and many other essential American authors. Because Scribner titles include some of the most valuable books in American literature, accurate first edition identification is critical.

Company History

1846: Charles Scribner and Isaac D. Baker founded Baker & Scribner in New York.

1878: Renamed Charles Scribner’s Sons.

1846–1970s: One of the preeminent American literary publishers, known for quality production and a stellar author list.

1978: Acquired by Macmillan.

1994: Became an imprint of Simon & Schuster (following Paramount’s acquisition of Macmillan).

Present: Scribner continues as an imprint of Simon & Schuster (now part of Paramount Global).

First Edition Identification

The “A” System (Most Common)

Scribner’s most reliable first edition indicator is a capital letter “A” on the copyright page. This is the Scribner hallmark:

• First printing: The letter “A” appears on the copyright page, usually in conjunction with the Scribner seal/colophon
• Second printing: The “A” is replaced by “B”
• Third printing: “C”
• And so on through the alphabet

Where to look: The “A” typically appears near the bottom of the copyright page, close to the Scribner colophon (a small logo featuring a lamp or torch within an oval).

This system was used consistently from the early twentieth century through the modern period, making Scribner one of the easier publishers to identify.

Pre-”A” Period (19th Century–Early 20th Century)

Before adopting the letter system, Scribner used text statements:

• “Published [month] [year]” with no additional printing statements indicates a first printing
• The absence of later printing dates or “Second Printing” statements is the key indicator

The Scribner Seal

The Scribner colophon — a flame or torch within an ornamental border — appears on the copyright page and sometimes on the title page. Its presence confirms the book is a Scribner publication but does not by itself indicate a first printing.

Key Scribner First Editions

The most collected and valuable Scribner titles:

Ernest Hemingway:

• The Sun Also Rises (1926) — “A” on copyright page
• A Farewell to Arms (1929)
• For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940)
• The Old Man and the Sea (1952)

F. Scott Fitzgerald:

• The Great Gatsby (1925) — “Published 1925” with no later printings
• This Side of Paradise (1920)
• Tender Is the Night (1934)

Thomas Wolfe:

• Look Homeward, Angel (1929)
• Of Time and the River (1935)

Edith Wharton:

• The Age of Innocence (1920)
• The House of Mirth (1905)

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings:

• The Yearling (1938) — Pulitzer Prize winner

Common Pitfalls

Missing the “A”. The letter is small and can be overlooked. Examine the copyright page carefully, paying attention to the area near the Scribner seal at the bottom.

Scribner Book Club editions. Scribner had its own book club (the Scribner Book Club), which produced editions that closely resemble trade editions. Check for the standard book club indicators — lighter weight, blind stamp on rear board, no jacket price.

The “A” on later editions. If Scribner issues a new edition (revised text, new introduction, etc.), the “A” restarts for the new edition’s first printing. Make sure the book is a first edition (the original text) as well as a first printing.

Hemingway proof copies. Advance proof copies and review copies of Hemingway titles are sometimes confused with the published first edition. These are collectible in their own right but are not first editions.

The Fitzgerald problem. Early Fitzgerald titles (This Side of Paradise, The Beautiful and Damned) predate the consistent use of the “A” system, requiring different identification methods.

Quick Identification Summary