How to identify a Jonathan Cape first edition

Jonathan Cape uses “First published (year)” or “First published in Great Britain (year)” and lists later impressions.

What to look for, by period

  1. 1921 – 1990s

    “First published (year)”; later impressions are listed below it.

  2. 1990s – today

    The statement plus a number line.

Dates are approximate. Imprints and individual titles sometimes differ; for valuable books, check a bibliography of the author.

Check your Jonathan Cape book

What does the copyright page say?
Book club signs (optional)

New to number lines? Read how to read a number line, and how to spot a book club edition.

Other publishers