How to identify a first printing
- 1980s-2000s (founded in the 1980s as a US aviation publisher and wholesaler): first printings carry a number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' ending in '1' is a first printing. Many titles also state 'First edition' explicitly.
- 2000s-present: the number-line convention continues; revised or expanded editions are stated ('Revised edition') and reset the line — a reset line beneath a revised-edition statement is the first printing of that revised edition.
- All eras: distinguish the Minnesota aviation house from generic 'specialty press' imprint wording on unrelated publishers' copyright pages; because this house also distributed other publishers, a distribution line naming Specialty Press on a third-party book does not make it a Specialty Press edition.
Notable points & cautions
- A leading US source for detailed jet, experimental and Cold War aviation monographs (WarbirdTech, X-Planes).
- Also acted as the US distributor for other aviation publishers (including AIRtime, Airlife, Crécy, Midland and Hikoki), so distribution lines on third-party books are not Specialty Press editions.
- Color-heavy references issued in multiple printings — rely on the number line rather than appearance.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: WarbirdTech series, X-Planes / experimental aircraft line, Specialty Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Specialty Press (Specialty Press Publishers and Wholesalers) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1980s-2000s (founded in the 1980s as a US aviation publisher and wholesaler): first printings carry a number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' ending in '1' is a first printing. Many titles also state 'First edition' explicitly. 2000s-present: the number-line convention continues; revised or expanded editions are stated ('Revised edition') and reset the line — a reset line beneath a revised-edition statement is the first printing of that revised edition.
Does Specialty Press (Specialty Press Publishers and Wholesalers) use a number line?
2000s-present: the number-line convention continues; revised or expanded editions are stated ('Revised edition') and reset the line — a reset line beneath a revised-edition statement is the first printing of that revised edition.
Is a book-club edition a Specialty Press (Specialty Press Publishers and Wholesalers) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. A leading US source for detailed jet, experimental and Cold War aviation monographs (WarbirdTech, X-Planes).
What era does this cover?
This covers Specialty Press (Specialty Press Publishers and Wholesalers) (c.1985-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.