How to identify a first printing
- 2005-present (Alma Books): a first printing is shown by a descending number line with 1 lowest, alongside 'First published by Alma Books Limited in <year>'.
- Oneworld Classics (launched 2007, a joint venture with Oneworld Publications) was renamed Alma Classics in 2012 after Alma took full control. For these classics and translation reissues the relevant first is the first Oneworld Classics or Alma Classics edition; the original work's date does not govern, and a newly commissioned translation carries its own copyright year.
- Alma holds the Calder Publications back-list. A Calder title reissued under Alma carries Alma imprint data and is not the original John Calder first printing, so do not conflate the two.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 2005 by Alessandro Gallenzi and Elisabetta Minervini in Richmond, London.
- The classics imprint began as Oneworld Classics and was renamed Alma Classics in 2012; this is distinct from the separate company Oneworld Publications.
- Holds the Calder back-list, so Alma reissues of authors such as Beckett are not the original Calder firsts.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Alma Books, Alma Classics, Calder Publications (acquired), Oneworld Classics (former name of Alma Classics), Overture (music imprint), Herla (poetry). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Alma Books / Alma Classics book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 2005-present (Alma Books): a first printing is shown by a descending number line with 1 lowest, alongside 'First published by Alma Books Limited in <year>'. Oneworld Classics (launched 2007, a joint venture with Oneworld Publications) was renamed Alma Classics in 2012 after Alma took full control. For these classics and translation reissues the relevant first is the first Oneworld Classics or Alma Classics edition; the original work's date does not govern, and a newly commissioned translation carries its own copyright year.
Does Alma Books / Alma Classics use a number line?
Oneworld Classics (launched 2007, a joint venture with Oneworld Publications) was renamed Alma Classics in 2012 after Alma took full control. For these classics and translation reissues the relevant first is the first Oneworld Classics or Alma Classics edition; the original work's date does not govern, and a newly commissioned translation carries its own copyright year.
Is a book-club edition a Alma Books / Alma Classics first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 2005 by Alessandro Gallenzi and Elisabetta Minervini in Richmond, London.
What era does this cover?
This covers Alma Books / Alma Classics (2005-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.