How to identify a first printing
- The copyright/colophon page is the primary locus: look for 'First edition' stated and/or a number line. Modern Aperture titles (1990s–present) typically carry a descending number line (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1), with presence of the 1 indicating a first printing.
- Many monographs are single-printing; the absence of any 'Second printing'/'Reprinted' line, plus the original ISBN and jacket-flap price, supports a first.
- Reprints are usually noted explicitly ('Second printing' / 'Reprinted [year]') on the colophon; later printings may also update the printer or binder credit.
- Limited/special editions carry a signed-and-numbered colophon statement plus a tipped-in or boxed original print; the limitation statement (e.g. 'one of 100') defines that issue.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1952 (the magazine launched that spring in San Francisco); the book program began in 1965 with 'Edward Weston: The Flame of Recognition.'
- 1970s–80s Aperture monographs often lack a number line; rely on stated 'First edition', year, and the original distributor (Aperture has been distributed at various times by outside trade houses).
- The distributor named on the title page changed over the decades; a distributor name does not change first-printing status but helps date the issue.
- Highly collected titles (e.g. the Diane Arbus monograph, 1972) have well-documented printing points and many later printings; verify against the specific title's known points, not house rules alone.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Aperture, Aperture Masters of Photography, The PhotoBook Review (periodical), Paris Photo–Aperture PhotoBook Awards titles. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Aperture Foundation book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. The copyright/colophon page is the primary locus: look for 'First edition' stated and/or a number line. Modern Aperture titles (1990s–present) typically carry a descending number line (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1), with presence of the 1 indicating a first printing. Many monographs are single-printing; the absence of any 'Second printing'/'Reprinted' line, plus the original ISBN and jacket-flap price, supports a first.
Does Aperture Foundation use a number line?
Many monographs are single-printing; the absence of any 'Second printing'/'Reprinted' line, plus the original ISBN and jacket-flap price, supports a first.
Is a book-club edition a Aperture Foundation first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1952 (the magazine launched that spring in San Francisco); the book program began in 1965 with 'Edward Weston: The Flame of Recognition.'
What era does this cover?
This covers Aperture Foundation (1952–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.