How to identify a first printing
- Standard UK descending number line on the copyright page; presence of '1' indicates a first printing.
- Long-running monograph series (notably BFI Film Classics, launched 1992) often went through many reprints — read the number line carefully, since later printings of popular titles otherwise look identical.
- The trade/distribution-partner statement on the copyright page helps date the printing era (see notable points).
Notable points & cautions
- BFI's book program changed distribution partners over time: originally in-house BFI Publishing, later via Palgrave Macmillan, and since 2018 in partnership with Bloomsbury. The partner shown on the copyright page indicates the printing era.
- The compact BFI Film Classics and TV Classics monographs are the most collected; first printings of early or out-of-print titles on cult films draw the most interest.
- Always confirm '1' in the number line — series reprints are frequent.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: BFI Film Classics, BFI TV Classics, BFI Modern Classics, BFI Screen Guides. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my BFI Publishing (British Film Institute) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Standard UK descending number line on the copyright page; presence of '1' indicates a first printing. Long-running monograph series (notably BFI Film Classics, launched 1992) often went through many reprints — read the number line carefully, since later printings of popular titles otherwise look identical.
Does BFI Publishing (British Film Institute) use a number line?
Long-running monograph series (notably BFI Film Classics, launched 1992) often went through many reprints — read the number line carefully, since later printings of popular titles otherwise look identical.
Is a book-club edition a BFI Publishing (British Film Institute) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. BFI's book program changed distribution partners over time: originally in-house BFI Publishing, later via Palgrave Macmillan, and since 2018 in partnership with Bloomsbury. The partner shown on the copyright page indicates the printing era.
What era does this cover?
This covers BFI Publishing (British Film Institute) (1980s-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.