Books without an ISBN

[Sophie]

I have several old paperbacks that were printed before ISBN became a thing. I've been trying to add them to GR if I can't find an edition that matches, but I've run into a question. Often they will say something like "First printing, May 1963, Second printing, April 1967." Which of these dates is correct to put into the "date published" field?

[Amanda]

Sophie wrote: "I have several old paperbacks that were printed before ISBN became a thing. I've been trying to add them to GR if I can't find an edition that matches, but I've run into a question. Often they will..."

Use the first printing. A printing means the print run. So they aren't different editions.

If it says edition instead of printing, you would use the edition you have (likely the last one).

[Sophie]

OK, thanks.

[Lobstergirl]

The only reason for two separate entries for two different printings is if they have different covers.