How to identify a first printing
- First printings carry the copyright line with no later-printing notice; subsequent printings/editions stated on the copyright page. Modern titles add a number line where '1' = first printing.
- Copyright page prints a printing line ('First published 19xx'); revised editions are dated and numbered.
- Comstock (natural history/science) and ILR (labor) imprints follow the same conventions.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1869; among the oldest US university presses.
- Comstock Publishing Associates is the long-running natural-science imprint — an imprint identifier, not a printing indicator.
- Standard academic later-printing-noted convention for older books; use the number line for modern reprints with unchanged copyright years.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Comstock Publishing Associates, ILR Press, Three Hills, Northern Illinois University Press (acquired). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Cornell University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printings carry the copyright line with no later-printing notice; subsequent printings/editions stated on the copyright page. Modern titles add a number line where '1' = first printing. Copyright page prints a printing line ('First published 19xx'); revised editions are dated and numbered.
Does Cornell University Press use a number line?
Copyright page prints a printing line ('First published 19xx'); revised editions are dated and numbered.
Is a book-club edition a Cornell University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1869; among the oldest US university presses.
What era does this cover?
This covers Cornell University Press (1869–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.