How to identify a first printing
- 1984–present: firsts identified by 'First published in <year> by Polity Press' (in the early years often 'in association with Basil Blackwell') together with a descending number line in which the lowest figure (1) marks the first printing.
- 1984–c.1990s: early titles were co-imprinted with Basil Blackwell, and the copyright page names both houses — this is still a Polity first. US distribution arrangements do not change the printing identification.
- Simultaneous hardback and paperback academic issue: identify the first by binding and the earliest 'First published' year; reprints add impression lines.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 1984 in Cambridge by Anthony Giddens, David Held and John Thompson; a flagship social-theory publisher (English-language Habermas, Bourdieu, Giddens, Bauman).
- The early Basil Blackwell co-imprint can mislead attribution but does not change which printing is the first.
- For translations, the English-language Polity edition is the relevant first.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Polity Press, Polity. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Polity Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1984–present: firsts identified by 'First published in <year> by Polity Press' (in the early years often 'in association with Basil Blackwell') together with a descending number line in which the lowest figure (1) marks the first printing. 1984–c.1990s: early titles were co-imprinted with Basil Blackwell, and the copyright page names both houses — this is still a Polity first. US distribution arrangements do not change the printing identification.
Does Polity Press use a number line?
1984–c.1990s: early titles were co-imprinted with Basil Blackwell, and the copyright page names both houses — this is still a Polity first. US distribution arrangements do not change the printing identification.
Is a book-club edition a Polity Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 1984 in Cambridge by Anthony Giddens, David Held and John Thompson; a flagship social-theory publisher (English-language Habermas, Bourdieu, Giddens, Bauman).
What era does this cover?
This covers Polity Press (1984–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.