The numbers on a copyright page serve several crucial functions, from identifying specific print runs to unique book identifiers for cataloging. The most common and often confusing set of numbers is the printer's key, which indicates the specific print run of a particular edition. Beyond that, you'll typically find the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and sometimes Library of Congress data.
The Printer's Key (Number Line)
Often found at the bottom of the copyright page, the printer's key, also known as the number line, is a sequence of numbers that indicates the print run of the book. This line is particularly useful for collectors and those trying to identify first editions.
How to Read the Printer's Key:
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The Lowest Number is Key: The lowest number present in the sequence typically indicates the current print run.
- For example, if the line reads
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1, it signifies a first print run. - If the line is
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3, it indicates the third print run. - Publishers often remove a number from the right (or left) side with each subsequent print run.
- For example, if the line reads
-
Identifying Editions vs. Printings:
- Edition: Refers to a specific version of a book, which might include revisions, new material, or a different format (e.g., hardcover, paperback).
- Printing (or Run): Refers to a specific batch of books printed from the same plates or digital files within a single edition.
Understanding the printer's key can help you determine how "early" a copy of a book is. A true first edition, first printing is often highly sought after by collectors.
Other Significant Numbers
Beyond the printer's key, several other numerical identifiers provide essential information about a book.
1. International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
The ISBN is a unique numeric commercial book identifier. Every distinct edition and format of a book (e.g., hardcover, paperback, e-book) is assigned its own ISBN. This allows for precise identification in publishing, bookselling, and library systems.
- Purpose: Facilitates ordering, listing, and inventory control.
- Format: Typically a 13-digit number (ISBN-13) since January 1, 2007, preceded by "ISBN." Older books may have a 10-digit ISBN (ISBN-10).
- Example:
ISBN 978-0-307-35214-9
2. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication (CIP) Data
This section often contains numbers related to the book's classification within library systems, making it easier for librarians to categorize and find the book.
- Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN): A serial identification number assigned by the Library of Congress. It helps libraries uniquely identify a book.
- Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification (LCC): These are numerical and alphanumeric codes that indicate the book's subject matter and where it would typically be shelved in a library.
3. Copyright Year
The copyright year, represented by a four-digit number, indicates when the copyright for the specific edition or original work was first registered or published. This year signifies the start of the copyright protection period.
- Example:
© 2023 Jane Doe
Summary of Copyright Page Numbers
| Number Type | Meaning | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printer's Key | Indicates the specific print run of a particular edition. The lowest number remaining is the current print run. | 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 |
Identifying specific printings for collectors. |
| ISBN | Unique commercial identifier for each edition/format of a book. | 978-0-321-76572-3 |
Book identification, ordering, and inventory. |
| Copyright Year | Year the copyright for the work/edition was established. | © 2024 |
Legal protection and intellectual property. |
| LCCN | Library of Congress Control Number. | 2023987654 |
Library cataloging and unique identification. |
| DDC/LCC | Dewey Decimal Classification / Library of Congress Classification. | 813.54 / PR9199.3 |
Subject categorization for library shelving. |
By understanding these various numbers, readers, collectors, and booksellers can gain valuable insights into a book's history, edition, and place within the broader publishing world.
