How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page carries a descending number line ('10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest number present indicates the printing — a '1' = first printing. This is MIT Press's standard modern convention.
- Older/first printings may state 'First MIT Press edition' or 'First printing, 19xx'; later printings are noted on the copyright page.
- Revised editions are dated and numbered.
Notable points & cautions
- Bradford Books (cognitive science/philosophy of mind imprint, e.g., Dennett titles) is an MIT Press imprint and follows MIT Press copyright-page conventions; a 'Bradford Book' line is an imprint identifier, not a printing indicator.
- MIT technical/textbook titles reprint heavily with an unchanged copyright year — the number line is essential; do not infer first printing from the copyright date alone.
- Some co-publications with other houses show that partner's printing history.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Bradford Books, Zone Books (distributed), Boston Review Books, Strong Ideas series, Leonardo Books. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my MIT Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page carries a descending number line ('10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest number present indicates the printing — a '1' = first printing. This is MIT Press's standard modern convention. Older/first printings may state 'First MIT Press edition' or 'First printing, 19xx'; later printings are noted on the copyright page.
Does MIT Press use a number line?
Older/first printings may state 'First MIT Press edition' or 'First printing, 19xx'; later printings are noted on the copyright page.
Is a book-club edition a MIT Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Bradford Books (cognitive science/philosophy of mind imprint, e.g., Dennett titles) is an MIT Press imprint and follows MIT Press copyright-page conventions; a 'Bradford Book' line is an imprint identifier, not a printing indicator.
What era does this cover?
This covers MIT Press (1962–present (number line standard)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.