How to identify a first printing
- Identify by edition number plus copyright-page printing line; the 'South American Handbook' is an ANNUAL whose year and edition number on the title page are the identifier.
- 1921/1924-1990s: the lineage began as the 'Anglo-South American Handbook' in 1921 under the Federation of British Industry; it became the 'South American Handbook' published by Trade & Travel Publications Ltd in 1924, and is one of the longest-running annual guidebooks. Early editions are identified by the annual edition number and year on the title page.
- 1996-2000s: Trade & Travel Publications was renamed 'Footprint Handbooks' in August 1996; standard copyright page with an edition number and number line, first printing the lowest digit and debut year.
- 2010s-present: Footprint, under Bradt Guides since 2019; conventional edition and number-line identification.
Notable points & cautions
- Descends from a handbook first issued in 1921 as the 'Anglo-South American Handbook', becoming the annual 'South American Handbook' under Trade & Travel Publications in 1924 — among the oldest English-language travel annuals.
- Rebrand from Trade & Travel Publications to Footprint Handbooks in August 1996 brackets the era.
- The annual flagship is identified by edition year and number; other titles use number-line conventions.
- Strong on Latin America (Andean coverage in particular) and Asia depth.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Footprint Handbooks, Footprint Focus, Footprint (the 'South American Handbook' lineage). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Footprint (Footprint Handbooks) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Identify by edition number plus copyright-page printing line; the 'South American Handbook' is an ANNUAL whose year and edition number on the title page are the identifier. 1921/1924-1990s: the lineage began as the 'Anglo-South American Handbook' in 1921 under the Federation of British Industry; it became the 'South American Handbook' published by Trade & Travel Publications Ltd in 1924, and is one of the longest-running annual guidebooks. Early editions are identified by the annual edition number and year on the title page.
Does Footprint (Footprint Handbooks) use a number line?
1921/1924-1990s: the lineage began as the 'Anglo-South American Handbook' in 1921 under the Federation of British Industry; it became the 'South American Handbook' published by Trade & Travel Publications Ltd in 1924, and is one of the longest-running annual guidebooks. Early editions are identified by the annual edition number and year on the title page.
Is a book-club edition a Footprint (Footprint Handbooks) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Descends from a handbook first issued in 1921 as the 'Anglo-South American Handbook', becoming the annual 'South American Handbook' under Trade & Travel Publications in 1924 — among the oldest English-language travel annuals.
What era does this cover?
This covers Footprint (Footprint Handbooks) (1921/1924-present (Footprint brand from August 1996)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.