The fastest check: On a first printing, look for a descending number line on the copyright page whose lowest digit is 1; the lowest digit present equals the printing.
How to identify a first printing
- On a first printing, look for a descending number line on the copyright page whose lowest digit is 1; the lowest digit present equals the printing.
- Some titles add an explicit 'First edition' line on the copyright page.
- Early or short-run titles may state little beyond a copyright year, in which case the year and the absence of any added-printing notice are the available signals.
Decode the printer's key: paste the number line into the number-line decoder, search any title in the First Edition Checker, or run a book through the identifier.
Notable points & cautions
- Nonprofit publishing arm of the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, cofounded in 1986 by Thich Nhat Hanh and Arnold Kotler with the publication of 'Being Peace'; the house most associated with Thich Nhat Hanh's English-language titles.
- Not every Thich Nhat Hanh bestseller is a Parallax book: 'Peace Is Every Step' was published by Bantam (1991), not Parallax, so always confirm the imprint on the copyright page before applying Parallax rules.
- Smaller nonprofit press; the descending number line is the most reliable way to distinguish heavily reprinted firsts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Parallax Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. On a first printing, look for a descending number line on the copyright page whose lowest digit is 1; the lowest digit present equals the printing. Some titles add an explicit 'First edition' line on the copyright page.
Does Parallax Press use a number line?
Some titles add an explicit 'First edition' line on the copyright page.
Is a book-club edition a Parallax Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Nonprofit publishing arm of the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, cofounded in 1986 by Thich Nhat Hanh and Arnold Kotler with the publication of 'Being Peace'; the house most associated with Thich Nhat Hanh's English-language titles.
What era does this cover?
This covers Parallax Press (1986-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.