Why would an old novel not have a copyright date or publishing date?

Answer 1

Depends-- if it's a newer printing of an old book that is out of copyright, then it can't be copyrighted unless the publisher has some unique content that is eligible for copyright. For instance, if it's a copy of Pilgrim's Progress but with a newly written introductory essay by John Doe and Edna Smith.

If it's just an older book, then it might be that the copyright wasn't recognized by the US. Charles Dickens complained about pirated copies of his books in the States.

As for publishing date, that's left up to the publishers. There is no standard for it. It is maddening to collectors to try to determine first editions at times because most don't put "first edition" in a book nor do they usually put what printing a book it. Small presses especially didn't put things like that in a book.

So it really depends on the book.

Answer 2

Copyrights only last a number of years (56 I think). They can be renewed once, and then that is it. The book becomes public domain.