How to identify a first printing
- Identify by edition statement plus copyright-page printing year; revised editions list multiple update years, so a first printing shows only the original edition's single year.
- 1970-1980s: founded by Hans Hoefer (Hans Johannes Hofer); 'Guide to Bali' (1970) is the landmark first, establishing the photo-led format. Early printings carry the 'APA Productions' / 'APA Publications' imprint and a single copyright year.
- 1990s-2000s: Houghton Mifflin (US) and Langenscheidt distribution; the copyright page gives an edition statement and 'Updated' years, and a first printing lacks the update list.
- 2010s-present: APA Publications under later ownership; conventional copyright-page dating with edition and reprint years.
Notable points & cautions
- Hans Hoefer's 'Guide to Bali' (1970) is the foundational first and pioneered the heavily photographed guidebook format.
- The photo-led format distinguishes Insight; the 'APA' imprint marks the Singapore origin.
- Revised-edition 'Updated' year lists are the key tell — a first printing has none.
- Became the parent of Rough Guides in 2017.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Insight Guides, Insight Pocket Guides, Insight Compact Guides, Insight FlexiMap. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Insight Guides (APA Publications) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Identify by edition statement plus copyright-page printing year; revised editions list multiple update years, so a first printing shows only the original edition's single year. 1970-1980s: founded by Hans Hoefer (Hans Johannes Hofer); 'Guide to Bali' (1970) is the landmark first, establishing the photo-led format. Early printings carry the 'APA Productions' / 'APA Publications' imprint and a single copyright year.
Does Insight Guides (APA Publications) use a number line?
1970-1980s: founded by Hans Hoefer (Hans Johannes Hofer); 'Guide to Bali' (1970) is the landmark first, establishing the photo-led format. Early printings carry the 'APA Productions' / 'APA Publications' imprint and a single copyright year.
Is a book-club edition a Insight Guides (APA Publications) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Hans Hoefer's 'Guide to Bali' (1970) is the foundational first and pioneered the heavily photographed guidebook format.
What era does this cover?
This covers Insight Guides (APA Publications) (1970-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.