How to identify a first printing
- 1969-c.1985: Small scholarly press; generally no first-printing statement; later printings noted when they occurred. A first printing is indicated by matching title-page and copyright dates with no later-printing line, with the CIP/ISBN block present. (The press was founded in 1967 to publish the Journal of Popular Culture and began publishing books in 1969.)
- c.1985-2002: A number line on the copyright page where used; the lowest number present indicates the printing. Many titles were printed only once (popular-culture monographs).
- Post-transfer (c.2002-2003 onward): The list was acquired by the University of Wisconsin Press; later 'Popular Press' titles carry Wisconsin imprint and number-line conventions.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by Ray and Pat Browne (pioneers of academic popular-culture studies) at Bowling Green State University in 1967 to publish the Journal of Popular Culture; the press began issuing books in 1969.
- The list was transferred to the University of Wisconsin Press around 2002-2003 (after Pat Browne's 2002 retirement); post-transfer titles are Wisconsin imprints.
- A foundational publisher for the field of popular-culture studies, with many single-printing scholarly titles.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Popular Press, Popular Culture Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Bowling Green State University Popular Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1969-c.1985: Small scholarly press; generally no first-printing statement; later printings noted when they occurred. A first printing is indicated by matching title-page and copyright dates with no later-printing line, with the CIP/ISBN block present. (The press was founded in 1967 to publish the Journal of Popular Culture and began publishing books in 1969.) c.1985-2002: A number line on the copyright page where used; the lowest number present indicates the printing. Many titles were printed only once (popular-culture monographs).
Does Bowling Green State University Popular Press use a number line?
c.1985-2002: A number line on the copyright page where used; the lowest number present indicates the printing. Many titles were printed only once (popular-culture monographs).
Is a book-club edition a Bowling Green State University Popular Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by Ray and Pat Browne (pioneers of academic popular-culture studies) at Bowling Green State University in 1967 to publish the Journal of Popular Culture; the press began issuing books in 1969.
What era does this cover?
This covers Bowling Green State University Popular Press (1967-c.2002 (independent)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.