How to identify a first printing
- 1970s-present: Fly-fishing and fly-tying firsts state 'First Edition' or 'First printing' and/or carry a descending number line ('1' present = first). Spiral-bound fly-pattern and regional river guides are frequently reprinted and revised, so confirm both the printing statement/number line and that the copy matches the edition in hand.
- All eras: Premium titles and the 'River Journal' single-river series were also issued in signed/numbered limited formats identified by a limitation page (the River Journal limiteds ran roughly 300-500 copies per title); the standard trade first is identified by the copyright-page printing line.
Notable points & cautions
- Leading specialist fly-fishing and fly-tying publisher (also publisher of fishing periodicals including Salmon Trout Steelheader) based in Portland, Oregon, with a catalog of several hundred titles.
- Publisher of the 'River Journal' single-river guide series (issued in part as limited editions, c. 1993-2001); ongoing guidebook revisions make edition-tracking important.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Frank Amato Publications, Amato Books. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Frank Amato Publications book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1970s-present: Fly-fishing and fly-tying firsts state 'First Edition' or 'First printing' and/or carry a descending number line ('1' present = first). Spiral-bound fly-pattern and regional river guides are frequently reprinted and revised, so confirm both the printing statement/number line and that the copy matches the edition in hand. All eras: Premium titles and the 'River Journal' single-river series were also issued in signed/numbered limited formats identified by a limitation page (the River Journal limiteds ran roughly 300-500 copies per title); the standard trade first is identified by the copyright-page printing line.
Does Frank Amato Publications use a number line?
All eras: Premium titles and the 'River Journal' single-river series were also issued in signed/numbered limited formats identified by a limitation page (the River Journal limiteds ran roughly 300-500 copies per title); the standard trade first is identified by the copyright-page printing line.
Is a book-club edition a Frank Amato Publications first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Leading specialist fly-fishing and fly-tying publisher (also publisher of fishing periodicals including Salmon Trout Steelheader) based in Portland, Oregon, with a catalog of several hundred titles.
What era does this cover?
This covers Frank Amato Publications (1970s-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.