How to identify a first printing
- The colophon (Impressum) states the year and edition; a first printing shows the first-published year with no 'Reprinted' or higher-'Auflage' line.
- German 'Auflage' (edition/impression) wording is the key tell: '1. Auflage' or no Auflage statement indicates a first; '2. Auflage' and higher indicate later printings.
- Most exhibition and monograph titles are single-printing; the printer credit (historically 'Dr. Cantz'sche Druckerei') appears in the colophon.
- Edition Hatje Cantz limited editions carry a numbered limitation, often with an original signed print; that justification statement defines the issue.
Notable points & cautions
- Verlag Gerd Hatje was founded in Stuttgart in 1945; it was sold to Dr. Cantz'sche Druckerei in 1990, and the two merged as Hatje Cantz in 1999 (initially in Ostfildern near Stuttgart, later Berlin). Pre-merger 'Gerd Hatje' or 'Cantz' imprints are earlier issues of the same lineage.
- Watch the German edition wording: 'Auflage' = printing/impression; look for '1. Auflage' to confirm a first.
- Edition Hatje Cantz is a distinct limited/print-edition arm; a numbered limited copy is a separate issue from the trade book of the same title.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Hatje Cantz, Hatje Cantz Verlag, Edition Hatje Cantz (limited/print editions), Cantz / Dr. Cantz'sche (historic), Gerd Hatje (historic, pre-merger). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Hatje Cantz Verlag book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. The colophon (Impressum) states the year and edition; a first printing shows the first-published year with no 'Reprinted' or higher-'Auflage' line. German 'Auflage' (edition/impression) wording is the key tell: '1. Auflage' or no Auflage statement indicates a first; '2. Auflage' and higher indicate later printings.
Does Hatje Cantz Verlag use a number line?
German 'Auflage' (edition/impression) wording is the key tell: '1. Auflage' or no Auflage statement indicates a first; '2. Auflage' and higher indicate later printings.
Is a book-club edition a Hatje Cantz Verlag first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Verlag Gerd Hatje was founded in Stuttgart in 1945; it was sold to Dr. Cantz'sche Druckerei in 1990, and the two merged as Hatje Cantz in 1999 (initially in Ostfildern near Stuttgart, later Berlin). Pre-merger 'Gerd Hatje' or 'Cantz' imprints are earlier issues of the same lineage.
What era does this cover?
This covers Hatje Cantz Verlag (1945–present (Hatje Cantz name from 1999 merger)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.