How to identify a first printing
- Alaska Northwest Publishing era (1959-1993): Early Alaska Northwest titles often carry no number line; identify first printings by a copyright/publication year that matches the title's first appearance and by the absence of any later-printing notice. Where present, a stated 'First printing' on the copyright page is the clearest tell.
- Graphic Arts Center Publishing era (1967 onward, large-format/coffee-table titles): Photo-book first editions frequently state 'First edition' and/or carry a printing line; the lowest number in a printing line indicates the first printing. The pioneering large-format title was 'Oregon' (Ray Atkeson photographs).
- After 1993 (Graphic Arts acquired Alaska Northwest Books): titles appear under Graphic Arts, Alaska Northwest Books, and WestWinds Press imprints, generally with a standard descending number line where the lowest digit marks the printing.
- 2019 rebrand to West Margin Press: the parent was renamed West Margin Press in 2019, with Graphic Arts Books and Alaska Northwest Books continuing as imprints. A West Margin Press colophon dates a printing to 2019 or later; the imprint name on the copyright page is the key era tell. (Ownership passed to Ingram and later to Turner Publishing, so distribution/ownership notices can also date later printings.)
Notable points & cautions
- Two distinct lineages: Alaska Northwest Publishing (founded 1959, Alaska) and Graphic Arts Center Publishing (Portland, founded 1967 as a division of Oregon's largest printer; an early pioneer of full-color coffee-table books).
- Graphic Arts acquired Alaska Northwest Books in 1993, then the largest Alaskan trade publisher.
- The parent was renamed West Margin Press in 2019 (not 2018); the imprint name on the copyright page is the strongest era tell.
- Collectible large-format Atkeson and Alaska photography titles; photographer-signed copies are sought after.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Graphic Arts Books, Alaska Northwest Books, WestWinds Press, West Margin Press (parent imprint, 2019-). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Graphic Arts Books / Alaska Northwest Books (West Margin Press) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Alaska Northwest Publishing era (1959-1993): Early Alaska Northwest titles often carry no number line; identify first printings by a copyright/publication year that matches the title's first appearance and by the absence of any later-printing notice. Where present, a stated 'First printing' on the copyright page is the clearest tell. Graphic Arts Center Publishing era (1967 onward, large-format/coffee-table titles): Photo-book first editions frequently state 'First edition' and/or carry a printing line; the lowest number in a printing line indicates the first printing. The pioneering large-format title was 'Oregon' (Ray Atkeson photographs).
Does Graphic Arts Books / Alaska Northwest Books (West Margin Press) use a number line?
Graphic Arts Center Publishing era (1967 onward, large-format/coffee-table titles): Photo-book first editions frequently state 'First edition' and/or carry a printing line; the lowest number in a printing line indicates the first printing. The pioneering large-format title was 'Oregon' (Ray Atkeson photographs).
Is a book-club edition a Graphic Arts Books / Alaska Northwest Books (West Margin Press) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Two distinct lineages: Alaska Northwest Publishing (founded 1959, Alaska) and Graphic Arts Center Publishing (Portland, founded 1967 as a division of Oregon's largest printer; an early pioneer of full-color coffee-table books).
What era does this cover?
This covers Graphic Arts Books / Alaska Northwest Books (West Margin Press) (1959-present (Alaska Northwest) / 1967-present (Graphic Arts)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.