More ways to confirm a first printing
- 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.
Clearing out a shelf that includes Running Press books? I take books as a free donation and make sure collectible copies are identified, not discarded: free pickup in the Albuquerque metro (scheduled by route), the 24/7 drop box at 5445 Edith Blvd NE, or donor-paid mail-in from anywhere in the US. Call or text 505-250-3804.