How to Identify a MACK First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Colophon states 'First edition' and the year for a true first; MACK trade photobooks are typically issued in a single first printing, so the original year with no 'Second edition'/'reprinted' line indicates a first.
• No standard descending number line on most titles — rely on the stated first-edition/year line in the colophon rather than a number line.
• Popular sold-out titles are sometimes reprinted as a stated 'Second edition'; that wording on the colophon means the copy is not the first.
• Limited/special editions carry a numbered limitation, often with a signed tipped-in or accompanying original print; the limitation statement defines that issue.

Notable points & cautions

• Founded 2010 in London by Michael Mack, formerly managing director at Steidl, where he ran the SteidlMACK imprint beginning in 2004 (not 2008). A title first issued under the SteidlMACK imprint is a separate, earlier issue from a later MACK-alone edition — the imprint name dates the issue.
• MACK is an award-winning house and its firsts can go out of print quickly; for sought-after titles a stated 'Second edition' is common, so confirm the colophon edition line.
• MACK runs the First Book Award; debut titles in that line are first editions by definition.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: MACK, MACK Books, SteidlMACK (imprint within Steidl, 2004–c.2010), MACK First Book Award titles, MACK limited editions (signed/with print). Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my MACK book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Colophon states 'First edition' and the year for a true first; MACK trade photobooks are typically issued in a single first printing, so the original year with no 'Second edition'/'reprinted' line indicates a first. No standard descending number line on most titles — rely on the stated first-edition/year line in the colophon rather than a number line.

Does MACK use a number line?

No standard descending number line on most titles — rely on the stated first-edition/year line in the colophon rather than a number line.

Is a book-club edition a MACK first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 2010 in London by Michael Mack, formerly managing director at Steidl, where he ran the SteidlMACK imprint beginning in 2004 (not 2008). A title first issued under the SteidlMACK imprint is a separate, earlier issue from a later MACK-alone edition — the imprint name dates the issue.

What era does this cover?

This covers MACK (2010–present (SteidlMACK imprint lineage from 2004)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.