How to Identify a Princeton Architectural Press First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Copyright page: descending number line (lowest digit indicates the printing) alongside a first-published year; a first shows the full line ending in 1 with no reprint statement.
• First printings are often also stated ('First published in [year]') in addition to the number line.
• Later printings are reflected by deletion from the number line; revised editions are stated explicitly.
• The imprint line reads 'Princeton Architectural Press' (or the shortened 'PA Press') even on modern Chronicle-owned titles.

Notable points & cautions

• Independent architecture and design publisher founded in 1981 by Kevin Lippert in Princeton, New Jersey; acquired by the McEvoy Group (owner of Chronicle Books) in 2011 and more recently positioned as a Chronicle Books imprint under the shortened name PA Press.
• Specializes in architecture, graphic design, and visual culture; many titles are single-printing scholarly and design books following standard US number-line convention.
• Modern colophons may reference the Chronicle/McEvoy parent, but the Princeton Architectural Press / PA Press imprint persists and dates the issue.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Princeton Architectural Press, PA Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Princeton Architectural Press book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Copyright page: descending number line (lowest digit indicates the printing) alongside a first-published year; a first shows the full line ending in 1 with no reprint statement. First printings are often also stated ('First published in [year]') in addition to the number line.

Does Princeton Architectural Press use a number line?

First printings are often also stated ('First published in [year]') in addition to the number line.

Is a book-club edition a Princeton Architectural Press first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Independent architecture and design publisher founded in 1981 by Kevin Lippert in Princeton, New Jersey; acquired by the McEvoy Group (owner of Chronicle Books) in 2011 and more recently positioned as a Chronicle Books imprint under the shortened name PA Press.

What era does this cover?

This covers Princeton Architectural Press (1981–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.