How to identify a first printing
- Modern: full descending number line, '1' present = first printing
- First printing copyright page free of later-printing history
- Later printings add 'Reprinted YYYY' or impression statements; revised eds stated
- ISBN prefixes associated with the press: 978-0-7735, 978-0-2280 (newer)
Notable points & cautions
- McGill University Press founded 1960; Queen's University joined as partner and the press was incorporated as the joint McGill-Queen's University Press in 1969; second-largest Canadian academic press
- Pre-1969 titles may carry the 'McGill University Press' imprint — that imprint name dates a book to 1960-1969 and helps confirm an early printing
- Standard academic caveat for older titles lacking explicit first-printing wording
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Carleton Library Series (distributed/co-published). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my McGill-Queen's University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern: full descending number line, '1' present = first printing First printing copyright page free of later-printing history
Does McGill-Queen's University Press use a number line?
First printing copyright page free of later-printing history
Is a book-club edition a McGill-Queen's University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. McGill University Press founded 1960; Queen's University joined as partner and the press was incorporated as the joint McGill-Queen's University Press in 1969; second-largest Canadian academic press
What era does this cover?
This covers McGill-Queen's University Press (1960/1969-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.