How to identify a first printing
- 1899-c.1930: Third-oldest English university press; earliest titles were distributed via trade houses. First printing keyed by title-page date and the absence of any reprint note.
- c.1930-c.1990: Own imprint, standard British practice: 'First published [year]', '© Liverpool University Press', and no reprint line on a first printing; later impressions add 'Reprinted [year]'.
- c.1990-present: 'First published [year] by Liverpool University Press' with a number line indicating impression (lowest digit = impression) and a full ISBN/copyright block. A line ending in 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1899 — the third-oldest university press in England after Oxford and Cambridge (marked 120 years in 2019).
- Strong in modern languages, literatures, history, and visual culture; now hosts science-fiction studies lists (including the Liverpool Science Fiction Texts and Studies series).
- As with other early UK presses, distributor imprints on pre-1930 titles can obscure the true publisher of record.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Liverpool University Press, Constable (early distributor), Hodder & Stoughton (early distributor). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Liverpool University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1899-c.1930: Third-oldest English university press; earliest titles were distributed via trade houses. First printing keyed by title-page date and the absence of any reprint note. c.1930-c.1990: Own imprint, standard British practice: 'First published [year]', '© Liverpool University Press', and no reprint line on a first printing; later impressions add 'Reprinted [year]'.
Does Liverpool University Press use a number line?
c.1930-c.1990: Own imprint, standard British practice: 'First published [year]', '© Liverpool University Press', and no reprint line on a first printing; later impressions add 'Reprinted [year]'.
Is a book-club edition a Liverpool University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1899 — the third-oldest university press in England after Oxford and Cambridge (marked 120 years in 2019).
What era does this cover?
This covers Liverpool University Press (1899-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.