How to identify a first printing
- University-press convention: number line on the copyright page; the lowest number present indicates the printing.
- Hardcover and simultaneous trade-paperback issues are common — distinguish the clothbound first from the simultaneous paperback (same printing, different binding).
- The 'Pitt Poetry Series' designation on the copyright leaf places the title within the series.
Notable points & cautions
- Series established 1968 by press director Frederick A. Hetzel and editor Paul Zimmer, with early funding via the A. W. Mellon trust and the International Poetry Forum; one of the most prestigious American poetry series.
- General editors: Paul Zimmer (1968–1978), Ed Ochester (1979–2021), Terrance Hayes (2021–present). The named prizes are real: the Starrett Prize and Cave Canem Prize are Pitt-published; the Donald Hall Prize is sponsored by AWP and published by the Press.
- Simultaneous cloth-plus-paper issuance is the main collecting nuance — the cloth issue is usually the priority state; verify both binding state and the number line.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize, Donald Hall Prize in Poetry (with AWP), Cave Canem Poetry Prize. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my University of Pittsburgh Press — Pitt Poetry Series book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. University-press convention: number line on the copyright page; the lowest number present indicates the printing. Hardcover and simultaneous trade-paperback issues are common — distinguish the clothbound first from the simultaneous paperback (same printing, different binding).
Does University of Pittsburgh Press — Pitt Poetry Series use a number line?
Hardcover and simultaneous trade-paperback issues are common — distinguish the clothbound first from the simultaneous paperback (same printing, different binding).
Is a book-club edition a University of Pittsburgh Press — Pitt Poetry Series first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Series established 1968 by press director Frederick A. Hetzel and editor Paul Zimmer, with early funding via the A. W. Mellon trust and the International Poetry Forum; one of the most prestigious American poetry series.
What era does this cover?
This covers University of Pittsburgh Press — Pitt Poetry Series (1968–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.