How to identify a first printing
- Number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing.
- Series designation ('Carnegie Mellon Poetry Series') appears on the title or copyright leaf; firsts may also state 'First edition' with a year.
- Classic Contemporary Series titles are REISSUES of previously published collections — the CMU printing is not the world first edition; verify the original publisher and date before treating a CMU copy as a first.
Notable points & cautions
- University-press poetry program established in 1972 (initially as Three Rivers Press; founder and director Gerald Costanzo). The Classic Contemporary Series specifically brings out-of-print collections back into print, a common 'false first' trap.
- For a true first edition of a Classic Contemporary title, confirm the original publisher; the CMU reissue carries reprint or first-CMU-printing language rather than world-first priority.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Carnegie Mellon Poetry Series, Carnegie Mellon Classic Contemporary Series. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Carnegie Mellon University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing. Series designation ('Carnegie Mellon Poetry Series') appears on the title or copyright leaf; firsts may also state 'First edition' with a year.
Does Carnegie Mellon University Press use a number line?
Series designation ('Carnegie Mellon Poetry Series') appears on the title or copyright leaf; firsts may also state 'First edition' with a year.
Is a book-club edition a Carnegie Mellon University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. University-press poetry program established in 1972 (initially as Three Rivers Press; founder and director Gerald Costanzo). The Classic Contemporary Series specifically brings out-of-print collections back into print, a common 'false first' trap.
What era does this cover?
This covers Carnegie Mellon University Press (1972–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.