How to identify a first printing
- 1947–c.1975: No first-printing statement on scholarly first editions; later printings/impressions noted; first printing = matching title/copyright dates with no later-impression line.
- c.1975–present: Number line on the copyright page; lowest number present indicates the printing, so a '1' present = first printing. Library of Congress CIP block standard.
- Paperback reissues/reprints state the new printing year; distinguish a later paperback printing from the original cloth first.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1947 under MSU President John A. Hannah; lists in African studies, African American studies, American Indian/Indigenous studies, rhetoric, and Great Lakes/Michigan regional history.
- Distinct from both Wayne State University Press (Detroit) and the University of Michigan Press (Ann Arbor) — three separate Michigan presses.
- Smaller regional/scholarly list means many titles never reach a second printing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Michigan State University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1947–c.1975: No first-printing statement on scholarly first editions; later printings/impressions noted; first printing = matching title/copyright dates with no later-impression line. c.1975–present: Number line on the copyright page; lowest number present indicates the printing, so a '1' present = first printing. Library of Congress CIP block standard.
Does Michigan State University Press use a number line?
c.1975–present: Number line on the copyright page; lowest number present indicates the printing, so a '1' present = first printing. Library of Congress CIP block standard.
Is a book-club edition a Michigan State University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1947 under MSU President John A. Hannah; lists in African studies, African American studies, American Indian/Indigenous studies, rhetoric, and Great Lakes/Michigan regional history.
What era does this cover?
This covers Michigan State University Press (1947–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.