How to identify a first printing
- 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.
- 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.