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First-Edition Identification · Regional & Specialty Presses

How to Identify a Iowa State University Press First Edition

Ames, Iowa · 1934–2000 (independent); ISU Press brand to c.2007

The fastest check: 1934–c.1959 (Iowa State College Press, before the college became a university in 1959): No first-printing statement; later printings/editions noted on the copyright page; a first printing shows matching title/copyright dates with no later-printing line.

How to identify a first printing

Decode the printer's key: paste the number line into the number-line decoder, search any title in the First Edition Checker, or run a book through the identifier.

Notable points & cautions

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Iowa State College Press, Iowa State University Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Iowa State University Press book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. 1934–c.1959 (Iowa State College Press, before the college became a university in 1959): No first-printing statement; later printings/editions noted on the copyright page; a first printing shows matching title/copyright dates with no later-printing line. 1959–c.1975 (Iowa State University Press): Same convention; printing-history lists or 'Second printing' lines added on reprints.

Does Iowa State University Press use a number line?

1959–c.1975 (Iowa State University Press): Same convention; printing-history lists or 'Second printing' lines added on reprints.

Is a book-club edition a Iowa State University Press first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Imprint name tracks the institution: 'Iowa State College Press' before 1959, 'Iowa State University Press' after — a quick dating tell.

What era does this cover?

This covers Iowa State University Press (1934–2000 (independent); ISU Press brand to c.2007). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.

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