How to identify a first printing
- 1879-c.1985: Founded 1879 in Basel by Emil Birkhäuser; the scientific program (mathematics, physics, civil engineering, architecture) developed from the 1920s-1940s onward. German-language works state edition as 'Auflage'; a first edition reads '1. Auflage' (or carries the earliest issue with no later-Auflage statement). English-language titles from the Birkhäuser Boston office (opened 1979) are identified by edition statement, with a first printing shown by the absence of any later-printing notice.
- c.1985-present: Acquired by Springer in 1985. English-language titles carry a number line (lowest surviving digit = printing); German titles continue to use 'Auflage.' Modern titles follow Springer house style and may print a DOI. Note that the architecture/design program was sold to ACTAR in 2010 while the natural-sciences program remained with Springer.
Notable points & cautions
- Distinguished mathematics and physics monograph and series publisher (e.g., the 'Progress in Mathematics' series).
- Now a Springer brand; 'Auflage' is the reliable German-language edition tell.
- Boston (US) and Basel (Swiss) issues can differ — check the imprint city on the title and copyright pages.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Birkhäuser Verlag, Birkhäuser Boston, Springer Basel (current parent). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Birkhäuser book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1879-c.1985: Founded 1879 in Basel by Emil Birkhäuser; the scientific program (mathematics, physics, civil engineering, architecture) developed from the 1920s-1940s onward. German-language works state edition as 'Auflage'; a first edition reads '1. Auflage' (or carries the earliest issue with no later-Auflage statement). English-language titles from the Birkhäuser Boston office (opened 1979) are identified by edition statement, with a first printing shown by the absence of any later-printing notice. c.1985-present: Acquired by Springer in 1985. English-language titles carry a number line (lowest surviving digit = printing); German titles continue to use 'Auflage.' Modern titles follow Springer house style and may print a DOI. Note that the architecture/design program was sold to ACTAR in 2010 while the natural-sciences program remained with Springer.
Does Birkhäuser use a number line?
c.1985-present: Acquired by Springer in 1985. English-language titles carry a number line (lowest surviving digit = printing); German titles continue to use 'Auflage.' Modern titles follow Springer house style and may print a DOI. Note that the architecture/design program was sold to ACTAR in 2010 while the natural-sciences program remained with Springer.
Is a book-club edition a Birkhäuser first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Distinguished mathematics and physics monograph and series publisher (e.g., the 'Progress in Mathematics' series).
What era does this cover?
This covers Birkhäuser (1879-present (Springer brand)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.