How to identify a first printing
- 1958-1990s: Academic press of the University of Otago, begun within the University Library (first title issued 1959 under the imprint 'University of Otago Press'). First editions are identified by a 'First published 19xx' statement on the copyright/imprint page and the absence of any reprint line; the earliest stated year indicates the first printing. Many scholarly titles see only a single printing.
- 1990s-present: Standard 'First published 20xx by Otago University Press' statement; where a number line appears on trade titles the lowest number indicates the printing, and reprints add 'Reprinted' lines. The Press also publishes the literary journal Landfall, whose issues are identified by issue number and date rather than by printing.
Notable points & cautions
- New Zealand's oldest academic publisher (established 1958), strong in New Zealand history, natural history, poetry and Maori/Pacific studies.
- Publisher of Landfall, New Zealand's longest-running literary journal (issues identified by number, not printing).
- Identification follows the standard New Zealand / Commonwealth university-press convention: a 'First published' statement plus the absence of a reprint line.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Otago University Press, University of Otago Press (earlier form of the imprint), Landfall (associated literary journal). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Otago University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1958-1990s: Academic press of the University of Otago, begun within the University Library (first title issued 1959 under the imprint 'University of Otago Press'). First editions are identified by a 'First published 19xx' statement on the copyright/imprint page and the absence of any reprint line; the earliest stated year indicates the first printing. Many scholarly titles see only a single printing. 1990s-present: Standard 'First published 20xx by Otago University Press' statement; where a number line appears on trade titles the lowest number indicates the printing, and reprints add 'Reprinted' lines. The Press also publishes the literary journal Landfall, whose issues are identified by issue number and date rather than by printing.
Does Otago University Press use a number line?
1990s-present: Standard 'First published 20xx by Otago University Press' statement; where a number line appears on trade titles the lowest number indicates the printing, and reprints add 'Reprinted' lines. The Press also publishes the literary journal Landfall, whose issues are identified by issue number and date rather than by printing.
Is a book-club edition a Otago University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. New Zealand's oldest academic publisher (established 1958), strong in New Zealand history, natural history, poetry and Maori/Pacific studies.
What era does this cover?
This covers Otago University Press (1958-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.