How to identify a first printing
- 1978–c.1990s (independent, Johnson Publishing Company of Boulder): first printings identified by copyright-page data — a single copyright year, a matching title-page date, and no later-printing/edition notation; some titles carry an explicit 'First Edition'.
- Later independent titles: a printing number line is standard on the copyright page (for example '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'), with the lowest digit present indicating the printing.
- 2005–present (after acquisition by Big Earth Publishing, later Bower House / Globe Pequot): follows the successor's conventions — number line and/or a stated edition, with a first printing shown by the lowest digit or 'First edition' wording. The imprint and address on the copyright page help date a copy.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1978 in Boulder as part of the Johnson Publishing Company of Boulder (distinct from the Chicago Johnson Publishing of Ebony/Jet); non-fiction about the American West — natural history, geology, archaeology, guidebooks, outdoor recreation, and cookbooks.
- Acquired by Big Earth Publishing in 2005; later associated with Bower House / Globe Pequot — ownership changes are useful dating tells.
- Not to be confused with Arthur H. Clark or other Western scholarly houses.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Johnson Books. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Johnson Books (Johnson Publishing Company, Boulder) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1978–c.1990s (independent, Johnson Publishing Company of Boulder): first printings identified by copyright-page data — a single copyright year, a matching title-page date, and no later-printing/edition notation; some titles carry an explicit 'First Edition'. Later independent titles: a printing number line is standard on the copyright page (for example '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'), with the lowest digit present indicating the printing.
Does Johnson Books (Johnson Publishing Company, Boulder) use a number line?
Later independent titles: a printing number line is standard on the copyright page (for example '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'), with the lowest digit present indicating the printing.
Is a book-club edition a Johnson Books (Johnson Publishing Company, Boulder) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1978 in Boulder as part of the Johnson Publishing Company of Boulder (distinct from the Chicago Johnson Publishing of Ebony/Jet); non-fiction about the American West — natural history, geology, archaeology, guidebooks, outdoor recreation, and cookbooks.
What era does this cover?
This covers Johnson Books (Johnson Publishing Company, Boulder) (1978–present (under successor ownership)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.