How to identify a first printing
- 1980-2012 (independent, Ithaca NY, co-founder Sidney Piburn with Jeffrey Cox as president): the copyright page states 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' with the copyright year; later titles carry a descending number line whose lowest number indicates the printing. The Ithaca NY imprint and address confirm an independent-era first printing.
- 2012-present (imprint of Shambhala): follows Shambhala house convention, where a 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page is the authoritative tell; a Boulder/Boston address and joint Shambhala/Snow Lion branding signal a post-acquisition printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 1980 in Ithaca NY, inspired by a meeting with the Dalai Lama, and became the largest English-language press devoted to Tibetan Buddhism, politics, and culture, including many Dalai Lama titles.
- Acquired by Shambhala Publications in 2012, so an Ithaca NY imprint marks the independent first editions while post-2012 books carry the Shambhala imprint.
- Many first English translations of Tibetan texts are Snow Lion firsts, and the independent Ithaca printing is the collectible form.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Snow Lion. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Snow Lion Publications book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1980-2012 (independent, Ithaca NY, co-founder Sidney Piburn with Jeffrey Cox as president): the copyright page states 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' with the copyright year; later titles carry a descending number line whose lowest number indicates the printing. The Ithaca NY imprint and address confirm an independent-era first printing. 2012-present (imprint of Shambhala): follows Shambhala house convention, where a 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page is the authoritative tell; a Boulder/Boston address and joint Shambhala/Snow Lion branding signal a post-acquisition printing.
Does Snow Lion Publications use a number line?
2012-present (imprint of Shambhala): follows Shambhala house convention, where a 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page is the authoritative tell; a Boulder/Boston address and joint Shambhala/Snow Lion branding signal a post-acquisition printing.
Is a book-club edition a Snow Lion Publications first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 1980 in Ithaca NY, inspired by a meeting with the Dalai Lama, and became the largest English-language press devoted to Tibetan Buddhism, politics, and culture, including many Dalai Lama titles.
What era does this cover?
This covers Snow Lion Publications (1980-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.