How to identify a first printing
- 1972-c.1990 (founders Bill and Frances Hackett, Indianapolis): academic philosophy texts and translations; the copyright page states the printing and copyright year, and because many titles are perennially reprinted teaching editions, first printings are uncommon survivors. Identify by the earliest copyright year and the absence of later-printing or reprint statements.
- c.1990-present: standard number line, with the lowest number present indicating the printing (a '1' present means a first printing); the copyright page often shows a printing-year line. Revised or second editions are explicitly restated, so match the edition statement.
- recent: Hackett took over Focus Publishing / R. Pullins Company, and Focus titles (including the Focus Classical Library) continue under their own series identity within Hackett's conventions.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1972; the standard US academic publisher of affordable primary-source philosophy texts and classical translations (Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant).
- Collector note: most Hackett value lies in scholarly content rather than first-printing rarity, but for a translator's first edition (for example specific Grube or Cooper Plato volumes), match the earliest printing year and the edition statement.
- Focus Publishing became an imprint of Hackett, bringing the Focus Classical Library into the house.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Hackett Publishing, Focus Publishing / Focus (classics, acquired), Pullins Press (Focus / R. Pullins Company). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Hackett Publishing Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1972-c.1990 (founders Bill and Frances Hackett, Indianapolis): academic philosophy texts and translations; the copyright page states the printing and copyright year, and because many titles are perennially reprinted teaching editions, first printings are uncommon survivors. Identify by the earliest copyright year and the absence of later-printing or reprint statements. c.1990-present: standard number line, with the lowest number present indicating the printing (a '1' present means a first printing); the copyright page often shows a printing-year line. Revised or second editions are explicitly restated, so match the edition statement.
Does Hackett Publishing Company use a number line?
c.1990-present: standard number line, with the lowest number present indicating the printing (a '1' present means a first printing); the copyright page often shows a printing-year line. Revised or second editions are explicitly restated, so match the edition statement.
Is a book-club edition a Hackett Publishing Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1972; the standard US academic publisher of affordable primary-source philosophy texts and classical translations (Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant).
What era does this cover?
This covers Hackett Publishing Company (1972-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.