How to identify a first printing
- 1938-1978 (as Good News Publishers): primarily a tract publisher; the book imprint did not yet exist. For the rare early book, rely on copyright year and absence of any reprint or later-printing notice.
- Crossway division established late 1978 under Lane T. Dennis. From inception, trade titles carry a number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a first printing shows a full line ending in (or otherwise containing) 1.
- 2001-present: publisher of the English Standard Version (ESV), first released October 2001 (the ESV Classic Reference Bible). Trade titles use a number line, often alongside a year line, with the lowest value indicating the printing. ESV Bibles carry separate textual-edition codes distinct from trade-book printing lines.
Notable points & cautions
- Crossway is the book-publishing arm of Good News Publishers, a nonprofit founded in 1938 by Clyde and Muriel Dennis; the Crossway division was established in late 1978.
- Reformed/conservative evangelical orientation; publisher of the ESV Bible since 2001 and of authors such as John Piper, R.C. Sproul, and Wayne Grudem.
- Because Crossway used number lines from the division's start, era-segmentation is simple: number line throughout, lowest digit equals the printing.
- The ESV text has been revised periodically (2001, 2007, 2011, and the 2016 'permanent text'); collectors track these text editions separately from the printing number.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Crossway Books, Good News Publishers (parent/tract arm), ESV Bibles. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Crossway book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1938-1978 (as Good News Publishers): primarily a tract publisher; the book imprint did not yet exist. For the rare early book, rely on copyright year and absence of any reprint or later-printing notice. Crossway division established late 1978 under Lane T. Dennis. From inception, trade titles carry a number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a first printing shows a full line ending in (or otherwise containing) 1.
Does Crossway use a number line?
Crossway division established late 1978 under Lane T. Dennis. From inception, trade titles carry a number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a first printing shows a full line ending in (or otherwise containing) 1.
Is a book-club edition a Crossway first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Crossway is the book-publishing arm of Good News Publishers, a nonprofit founded in 1938 by Clyde and Muriel Dennis; the Crossway division was established in late 1978.
What era does this cover?
This covers Crossway (1938-present (Crossway book division established late 1978)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.