How to identify a first printing
- 1982-2000s (independent, Birmingham AL): Trade firsts typically state 'First Edition'/'First printing' and/or carry a descending number line; the lowest digit present indicates the printing ('1' = first). The 'Best in Tent Camping' and paddling/hiking guides are routinely revised, so the edition number is restated for new editions.
- 2010s-present (under Keen Communications / AdventureKEEN): Standard descending number line; lowest surviving digit indicates the printing. The imprint continues as 'Menasha Ridge Press'.
- All eras: For the long-running outdoor-recreation series, verify both the EDITION (revision level) and the printing statement — a first printing of a third edition is not the original first.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1982 by Bob Sehlinger, who began the company from his Birmingham home; specialist in paddling, hiking, and camping guidebooks (notably the 'Best in Tent Camping' and 'Five-Star Trails' series) plus outdoor adventure narratives.
- Grew into the genesis of AdventureKEEN (Keen Communications), a multi-brand outdoors, nature, and travel publisher in Birmingham, AL, sharing house conventions with sister outdoor imprints such as Wilderness Press.
- Guidebook-heavy list means edition-tracking is central to identification.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Menasha Ridge Press, Menasha Ridge Press (AdventureKEEN imprint). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Menasha Ridge Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1982-2000s (independent, Birmingham AL): Trade firsts typically state 'First Edition'/'First printing' and/or carry a descending number line; the lowest digit present indicates the printing ('1' = first). The 'Best in Tent Camping' and paddling/hiking guides are routinely revised, so the edition number is restated for new editions. 2010s-present (under Keen Communications / AdventureKEEN): Standard descending number line; lowest surviving digit indicates the printing. The imprint continues as 'Menasha Ridge Press'.
Does Menasha Ridge Press use a number line?
2010s-present (under Keen Communications / AdventureKEEN): Standard descending number line; lowest surviving digit indicates the printing. The imprint continues as 'Menasha Ridge Press'.
Is a book-club edition a Menasha Ridge Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1982 by Bob Sehlinger, who began the company from his Birmingham home; specialist in paddling, hiking, and camping guidebooks (notably the 'Best in Tent Camping' and 'Five-Star Trails' series) plus outdoor adventure narratives.
What era does this cover?
This covers Menasha Ridge Press (1982-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.