How to identify a first printing
- 1986–present: A regional series of Wayne State University Press; a first printing is identified by Wayne State's number line on the copyright page (the lowest digit, or a '1', present indicates the first printing) together with the 'Great Lakes Books Series' designation on the series or title page.
- For reprinted Michigan/Great Lakes classics issued in the series: the Great Lakes Books edition is a new edition with its own copyright/series page and is not the true first edition of the work — its number line dates only that reissue.
Notable points & cautions
- Not a standalone publisher — a named regional series under Wayne State University Press; listed separately because catalog and dealer records often cite 'Great Lakes Books' as the publisher.
- Inaugurated in 1986 to honor Michigan's 1987 sesquicentennial; mixes original titles with reissues of regional classics, which is the chief first-edition pitfall.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Wayne State University Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Great Lakes Books (series imprint) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1986–present: A regional series of Wayne State University Press; a first printing is identified by Wayne State's number line on the copyright page (the lowest digit, or a '1', present indicates the first printing) together with the 'Great Lakes Books Series' designation on the series or title page. For reprinted Michigan/Great Lakes classics issued in the series: the Great Lakes Books edition is a new edition with its own copyright/series page and is not the true first edition of the work — its number line dates only that reissue.
Does Great Lakes Books (series imprint) use a number line?
For reprinted Michigan/Great Lakes classics issued in the series: the Great Lakes Books edition is a new edition with its own copyright/series page and is not the true first edition of the work — its number line dates only that reissue.
Is a book-club edition a Great Lakes Books (series imprint) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Not a standalone publisher — a named regional series under Wayne State University Press; listed separately because catalog and dealer records often cite 'Great Lakes Books' as the publisher.
What era does this cover?
This covers Great Lakes Books (series imprint) (1986–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.