How to identify a first printing
- Use the descending number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a '1' indicates a first printing.
- Classical-music/opera reference and biography; no distinctive prose first-edition statement is documented — rely on the number line.
- Where no number line is present on early titles, the stated copyright year serves as the principal date, but is weaker evidence of a true first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Specialist in classical music, opera, and performance reference; began as an imprint of Timber Press of Portland, Oregon, was acquired by Hal Leonard in 2006, and was sold to Rowman & Littlefield in December 2018.
- Imprint and distribution data on the copyright page dates the era through those ownership changes.
- Niche collector demand for opera and composer reference firsts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Amadeus Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Use the descending number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a '1' indicates a first printing. Classical-music/opera reference and biography; no distinctive prose first-edition statement is documented — rely on the number line.
Does Amadeus Press use a number line?
Classical-music/opera reference and biography; no distinctive prose first-edition statement is documented — rely on the number line.
Is a book-club edition a Amadeus Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Specialist in classical music, opera, and performance reference; began as an imprint of Timber Press of Portland, Oregon, was acquired by Hal Leonard in 2006, and was sold to Rowman & Littlefield in December 2018.
What era does this cover?
This covers Amadeus Press (1980s-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.