How to identify a first printing
- 1969–c.1985: firsts identified by a 'First published <year> by Pluto Press' edition statement; number lines are frequently absent in this period, so the first printing is shown by the lack of any 'Reprinted' or later-impression line.
- c.1985–present: a descending number line on the copyright page becomes standard (lowest figure, 1, indicates the first printing) alongside the 'First published <year> by Pluto Press' statement.
- Pluto Classics and similar reissues of older radical texts: the relevant first is the original edition; series volumes are marked as reprints, often with new introductions.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in London in 1969 by Richard Kuper as a publishing arm associated with the International Socialists; it broke from that affiliation and became fully independent in 1979.
- Early titles depend on edition statements rather than number lines.
- Course-adopted titles were reprinted frequently — check for added impression lines before assuming a first printing.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Pluto Press, Pluto Classics, Pluto Educational Trust. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Pluto Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1969–c.1985: firsts identified by a 'First published <year> by Pluto Press' edition statement; number lines are frequently absent in this period, so the first printing is shown by the lack of any 'Reprinted' or later-impression line. c.1985–present: a descending number line on the copyright page becomes standard (lowest figure, 1, indicates the first printing) alongside the 'First published <year> by Pluto Press' statement.
Does Pluto Press use a number line?
c.1985–present: a descending number line on the copyright page becomes standard (lowest figure, 1, indicates the first printing) alongside the 'First published <year> by Pluto Press' statement.
Is a book-club edition a Pluto Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in London in 1969 by Richard Kuper as a publishing arm associated with the International Socialists; it broke from that affiliation and became fully independent in 1979.
What era does this cover?
This covers Pluto Press (1969–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.