How to identify a first printing
- Earlier titles (as 'Pruett Press'/Pruett Publishing): first printings generally identified by copyright-page data — a single copyright year, a matching title-page date, and no later-printing statement; some titles state 'First Edition'.
- Later titles: a printing number line appears on the copyright page (for example '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'), with the lowest digit present indicating the printing. Frequently reissued guidebooks may carry a revised-edition statement — distinguish edition from printing.
- Many regional guidebook titles went through multiple revised editions, so confirm both the edition statement and the printing line.
Notable points & cautions
- Boulder, Colorado regional house; business records indicate a 1954 founding (the company's own materials sometimes cite 1959, which is contradicted by registry data — treat the precise year cautiously). List covered Rocky Mountain history, outdoor recreation, railroads, natural history, and Colorado/Southwest guidebooks.
- Trade list was dispersed around 2010–2012; the company's titles were acquired by Graphic Arts Books in 2012, so check the imprint to date a copy.
- Guidebook and trail-guide titles were frequently revised across multiple editions.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Pruett Press, Pruett Publishing. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Pruett Publishing Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Earlier titles (as 'Pruett Press'/Pruett Publishing): first printings generally identified by copyright-page data — a single copyright year, a matching title-page date, and no later-printing statement; some titles state 'First Edition'. Later titles: a printing number line appears on the copyright page (for example '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'), with the lowest digit present indicating the printing. Frequently reissued guidebooks may carry a revised-edition statement — distinguish edition from printing.
Does Pruett Publishing Company use a number line?
Later titles: a printing number line appears on the copyright page (for example '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'), with the lowest digit present indicating the printing. Frequently reissued guidebooks may carry a revised-edition statement — distinguish edition from printing.
Is a book-club edition a Pruett Publishing Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Boulder, Colorado regional house; business records indicate a 1954 founding (the company's own materials sometimes cite 1959, which is contradicted by registry data — treat the precise year cautiously). List covered Rocky Mountain history, outdoor recreation, railroads, natural history, and Colorado/Southwest guidebooks.
What era does this cover?
This covers Pruett Publishing Company (1954–c.2012 (trade list dispersed c.2010–2012)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.