How to identify a first printing
- No publisher-specific first-printing convention is documented in the standard first-edition reference guides (Zempel, Quill & Brush, McBride). When a number line is present on the copyright page, the lowest digit indicates the printing, and some titles carry a 'First Edition' statement, but neither is a reliable Running-Press-specific tell.
- Because the catalog is largely illustrated, gift, novelty, and miniature books, treat identification as title-by-title rather than relying on a house rule.
Notable points & cautions
- Illustrated, gift, novelty, and miniature-book publisher; Running Press Miniature Editions (RP Minis) launched 1989.
- Founded 1972 in Philadelphia by brothers Lawrence and Stuart Teacher.
- Corporate path: became a Perseus Books Group imprint, entered Hachette Book Group via Hachette's acquisition of Perseus in 2016, and was later grouped within HBG's gift-oriented 'Running Press Group' after Workman joined HBG in 2021. It did NOT enter HBG through the Workman merger — it was already in HBG from 2016.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Running Press, Running Press Kids, RP Minis (Miniature Editions), Courage Books (historical). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Running Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. No publisher-specific first-printing convention is documented in the standard first-edition reference guides (Zempel, Quill & Brush, McBride). When a number line is present on the copyright page, the lowest digit indicates the printing, and some titles carry a 'First Edition' statement, but neither is a reliable Running-Press-specific tell. Because the catalog is largely illustrated, gift, novelty, and miniature books, treat identification as title-by-title rather than relying on a house rule.
Does Running Press use a number line?
Because the catalog is largely illustrated, gift, novelty, and miniature books, treat identification as title-by-title rather than relying on a house rule.
Is a book-club edition a Running Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Illustrated, gift, novelty, and miniature-book publisher; Running Press Miniature Editions (RP Minis) launched 1989.
What era does this cover?
This covers Running Press (1972–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.