How to identify a first printing
- 1942-c.1970: Founded 1942 (first title was Francis Weston Sears' 'Mechanics'); mathematics, physics, and computer-science textbooks and monographs. Early titles are identified by edition statement, with a first printing indicated by the absence of a later-printing notice; revised texts carry an edition statement.
- c.1970-present: A number line on the copyright page is the standard printing indicator (lowest digit = printing). Addison-Wesley Professional computing classics are identified by edition number together with the number line.
Notable points & cautions
- Donald Knuth's 'The Art of Computer Programming' (Vol. 1, 1968) and many foundational computer-science texts make Addison-Wesley a key STM-collecting house; printing is read from the number line.
- Now part of Pearson.
- Sister imprint Benjamin Cummings handled life-sciences and physiology textbooks.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Addison-Wesley, Addison-Wesley Professional, Benjamin Cummings (sister science imprint), Pearson (current owner). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Addison-Wesley (technical/STM) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1942-c.1970: Founded 1942 (first title was Francis Weston Sears' 'Mechanics'); mathematics, physics, and computer-science textbooks and monographs. Early titles are identified by edition statement, with a first printing indicated by the absence of a later-printing notice; revised texts carry an edition statement. c.1970-present: A number line on the copyright page is the standard printing indicator (lowest digit = printing). Addison-Wesley Professional computing classics are identified by edition number together with the number line.
Does Addison-Wesley (technical/STM) use a number line?
c.1970-present: A number line on the copyright page is the standard printing indicator (lowest digit = printing). Addison-Wesley Professional computing classics are identified by edition number together with the number line.
Is a book-club edition a Addison-Wesley (technical/STM) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Donald Knuth's 'The Art of Computer Programming' (Vol. 1, 1968) and many foundational computer-science texts make Addison-Wesley a key STM-collecting house; printing is read from the number line.
What era does this cover?
This covers Addison-Wesley (technical/STM) (1942-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.