How to identify a first printing
- 1960–1974: Imprinted 'Purdue University Studies' rather than 'Purdue University Press'; scholarly monographs and studies carry no first-printing statement. First printing is inferred from a matching title/copyright year with no later-impression line. The imprint name itself dates a copy to this period.
- 1974–c.1980s: As 'Purdue University Press'; scholarly first editions generally carry no explicit first-printing statement. First printing is indicated by matching title/copyright dates with no later-impression notation.
- Later titles commonly show a printing number line on the copyright page (lowest number present indicates the printing; presence of '1' indicates a first printing), alongside the standard CIP/ISBN block. The exact year of broad number-line adoption is not firmly documented, so treat the absence of a later-printing notation, not a precise date, as the primary tell.
- Many titles are single-printing scholarly monographs, so absence of later-printing notation is the most reliable first-printing indicator.
Notable points & cautions
- Traces to 'Purdue University Studies', founded 1960 under President Frederick Hovde with a Purdue Research Foundation grant; renamed Purdue University Press in 1974 — the imprint name dates a copy.
- Subject strengths include the study of the human-animal bond, veterinary/comparative medicine, Jewish studies, and Central European studies, alongside humanities and technology titles.
- Smaller scholarly press; regional/scholarly focus distinct from Indiana University Press (Bloomington).
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Purdue University Studies (original name, 1960–1974). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Purdue University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1960–1974: Imprinted 'Purdue University Studies' rather than 'Purdue University Press'; scholarly monographs and studies carry no first-printing statement. First printing is inferred from a matching title/copyright year with no later-impression line. The imprint name itself dates a copy to this period. 1974–c.1980s: As 'Purdue University Press'; scholarly first editions generally carry no explicit first-printing statement. First printing is indicated by matching title/copyright dates with no later-impression notation.
Does Purdue University Press use a number line?
1974–c.1980s: As 'Purdue University Press'; scholarly first editions generally carry no explicit first-printing statement. First printing is indicated by matching title/copyright dates with no later-impression notation.
Is a book-club edition a Purdue University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Traces to 'Purdue University Studies', founded 1960 under President Frederick Hovde with a Purdue Research Foundation grant; renamed Purdue University Press in 1974 — the imprint name dates a copy.
What era does this cover?
This covers Purdue University Press (1960–present (as 'Purdue University Studies' 1960–1974; 'Purdue University Press' from 1974)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.