More ways to confirm a first printing
- 2004–2006 (Amadeus Press ownership): Limelight was acquired by Amadeus Press in 2004; copyright pages and colophons begin to reflect the Amadeus parentage. First printing is still a descending number line reaching 1.
- 2006–2018 (Hal Leonard ownership): Hal Leonard acquired Amadeus Press and Limelight in 2006 and folded Limelight into its Performing Arts Publishing Group; copyright pages read 'Limelight Editions, An Imprint of Hal Leonard ...'. First printing is a descending number line reaching 1, with a Hal Leonard distribution credit. The 'Imprint of Hal Leonard' colophon marks issues of this period.
- 2018–2024 (Rowman & Littlefield ownership): in December 2018 Hal Leonard sold Limelight (with Applause, Amadeus, Backbeat, and Hal Leonard Books) to Rowman & Littlefield; copyright pages carry the Rowman & Littlefield group credit. First printing is a descending number line reaching 1.
- 2024–present (Bloomsbury ownership): Bloomsbury acquired the Rowman & Littlefield trade list in 2024; later copies may carry a Bloomsbury group credit. First printing identification (descending number line reaching 1, often with a 'First Limelight Edition' statement) is unchanged.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 1984 by Mel Zerman (formerly of Random House), through his firm Proscenium Publishers; respected performing-arts list across film, theatre, dance, and music.
- A number line reaching 1 indicates a first printing in every era; the changing parent-company colophon is the main era tell.
- Ownership chain for dating: independent 1984–2004, Amadeus Press 2004–2006, Hal Leonard 2006–2018, Rowman & Littlefield 2018–2024, Bloomsbury 2024–present.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Limelight Editions. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Limelight Editions book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1984–2004 (independent, Mel Zerman / Proscenium Publishers era): performing-arts trade publisher covering film, theatre, music, and dance criticism and reference, reviving out-of-print titles alongside some new books. First printing is indicated by a descending number line on the copyright page, the lowest digit being the printing; a line that includes 1 is a first printing. 'First Limelight Edition YYYY' is often stated. 2004–2006 (Amadeus Press ownership): Limelight was acquired by Amadeus Press in 2004; copyright pages and colophons begin to reflect the Amadeus parentage. First printing is still a descending number line reaching 1.
Does Limelight Editions use a number line?
2004–2006 (Amadeus Press ownership): Limelight was acquired by Amadeus Press in 2004; copyright pages and colophons begin to reflect the Amadeus parentage. First printing is still a descending number line reaching 1.
Is a book-club edition a Limelight Editions first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 1984 by Mel Zerman (formerly of Random House), through his firm Proscenium Publishers; respected performing-arts list across film, theatre, dance, and music.
What era does this cover?
This covers Limelight Editions (1984–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.
Clearing out a shelf that includes Limelight Editions books? I take books as a free donation and make sure collectible copies are identified, not discarded: free pickup in the Albuquerque metro (scheduled by route), the 24/7 drop box at 5445 Edith Blvd NE, or donor-paid mail-in from anywhere in the US. Call or text 505-250-3804.