How to identify a first printing
- Mid-1960s into the 1970s UK specialist: thin stapled single-subject monographs, each carrying a series number (e.g. 'Aircraft Profile No. 1'). A first printing shows the original series/copyright date and no reprint notation; reprints add a revised date. The series number identifies the TITLE, not the edition state.
- Because each Profile is a numbered single-subject booklet, collectors track the original softcover singles by their series number; presence of a later reprint line marks it as not the original issue.
- Bound multi-Profile hardcover anthologies (the 'Aircraft in Profile' volumes, etc.) are later compilations of previously issued numbered singles and are not first editions of the original booklets.
Notable points & cautions
- Influential mid-century color-profile reference for aircraft (262 numbered Aircraft Profiles, plus AFV, warship, locomotive, and car lines); Martin C. Windrow served as a general editor.
- Original numbered singles are collected by series number; the format influenced later specialist series.
- Hardbound anthology volumes reprint multiple numbered Profiles and are not the original firsts.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Aircraft Profile series, AFV (Armoured Fighting Vehicle) Profile series, Warship Profile, Loco Profile, Car Profile. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Profile Publications book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Mid-1960s into the 1970s UK specialist: thin stapled single-subject monographs, each carrying a series number (e.g. 'Aircraft Profile No. 1'). A first printing shows the original series/copyright date and no reprint notation; reprints add a revised date. The series number identifies the TITLE, not the edition state. Because each Profile is a numbered single-subject booklet, collectors track the original softcover singles by their series number; presence of a later reprint line marks it as not the original issue.
Does Profile Publications use a number line?
Because each Profile is a numbered single-subject booklet, collectors track the original softcover singles by their series number; presence of a later reprint line marks it as not the original issue.
Is a book-club edition a Profile Publications first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Influential mid-century color-profile reference for aircraft (262 numbered Aircraft Profiles, plus AFV, warship, locomotive, and car lines); Martin C. Windrow served as a general editor.
What era does this cover?
This covers Profile Publications (1965-c.1984). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.