How to identify a first printing
- 1956-c.1990: The press of the University of Hong Kong, publishing in English and Chinese. A first printing uses 'First published [year]', a copyright line for Hong Kong University Press in that year, and 'Printed in Hong Kong', with no reprint note. Chinese-language titles carry the equivalent first-edition statement and a separate ISBN.
- c.1990-present: 'First published [year] by Hong Kong University Press' with a number line (lowest digit indicates the printing) and a full ISBN block, often with separate hardback and paperback ISBNs. A full number line ending in 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing.
- Bilingual note: a Chinese-language edition and the English edition are separate firsts; match the language and ISBN to the specific issue being identified. Some titles are co-published or distributed with US or UK presses (for example via the University of Chicago Press), whose market may have its own first issue.
Notable points & cautions
- Established in 1956 as the university press of the University of Hong Kong; Henri Vetch served as its first head, and it publishes more than fifty titles a year in English and Chinese.
- Strong in Asian and cultural studies, film and media studies, Chinese history and culture, and law.
- Distinct from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Press (CUHK Press) and City University of Hong Kong Press, which should not be conflated with it.
- Some titles are co-published or distributed by US or UK presses, so the co-publisher's market may carry its own first issue.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Hong Kong University Press, HKU Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Hong Kong University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1956-c.1990: The press of the University of Hong Kong, publishing in English and Chinese. A first printing uses 'First published [year]', a copyright line for Hong Kong University Press in that year, and 'Printed in Hong Kong', with no reprint note. Chinese-language titles carry the equivalent first-edition statement and a separate ISBN. c.1990-present: 'First published [year] by Hong Kong University Press' with a number line (lowest digit indicates the printing) and a full ISBN block, often with separate hardback and paperback ISBNs. A full number line ending in 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing.
Does Hong Kong University Press use a number line?
c.1990-present: 'First published [year] by Hong Kong University Press' with a number line (lowest digit indicates the printing) and a full ISBN block, often with separate hardback and paperback ISBNs. A full number line ending in 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing.
Is a book-club edition a Hong Kong University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Established in 1956 as the university press of the University of Hong Kong; Henri Vetch served as its first head, and it publishes more than fifty titles a year in English and Chinese.
What era does this cover?
This covers Hong Kong University Press (1956-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.