Is 1/3,5/7,9/10,8,6/4,2 a first edition book?
Understanding Book Edition Statements
The sequence 1/3, 5/7, 9/10, 8, 6/4, 2 appears to be a printer's or publisher's number line, also known as a "number row" or "copyright line". This is commonly found on the copyright page of a book and is used to indicate the printing and sometimes the edition of the book.
How to Interpret Number Lines
- In most modern books, the lowest number in the line indicates the print run. For example, if you see "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10", it means the book is from the first printing.
- Different publishers use different formats, and sometimes slashes or mixed numbers are used, but the underlying principle is the same: the lowest number present is the printing number.
Is This a First Edition?
Based on the number line you provided (1/3, 5/7, 9/10, 8, 6/4, 2), the number 1 is present. This typically means it is from the first printing. However, first printing does not always mean first edition—some publishers issue later editions with new printings, and may or may not reset the number line. For most commercial publishers, if the number 1 is present and there isn’t an explicit statement like "Second Edition" or "Revised Edition," it is safe to say the book is a first edition, first printing.
Conclusion
Yes, this number line generally indicates a first edition, first printing book. For complete certainty, you should also check for any additional statements on the copyright page or dust jacket that explicitly mention the edition.