How to identify a first printing
- 1950-c.1985: Independent US house, founded 1950 by Bernhard Springer (great-grandson of Julius Springer of the German firm), specializing in nursing, gerontology, psychology, social work, counseling, and rehabilitation texts. Early titles carried edition statements; a first printing is identified by the absence of any later-printing notice on the copyright page.
- c.1985-present: Number line on the copyright page, lowest digit present = the printing. For its heavily revised nursing and medical references, the edition number on the title page or spine is the practical identification unit rather than the printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Entirely separate company from Springer-Verlag (now Springer Nature) despite the shared family surname; the two have always been independent firms.
- Long-standing strength in gerontology and aging references and in nursing test-prep titles.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Springer Publishing, Demos Medical Publishing (acquired), Demos Health. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Springer Publishing Company book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1950-c.1985: Independent US house, founded 1950 by Bernhard Springer (great-grandson of Julius Springer of the German firm), specializing in nursing, gerontology, psychology, social work, counseling, and rehabilitation texts. Early titles carried edition statements; a first printing is identified by the absence of any later-printing notice on the copyright page. c.1985-present: Number line on the copyright page, lowest digit present = the printing. For its heavily revised nursing and medical references, the edition number on the title page or spine is the practical identification unit rather than the printing.
Does Springer Publishing Company use a number line?
c.1985-present: Number line on the copyright page, lowest digit present = the printing. For its heavily revised nursing and medical references, the edition number on the title page or spine is the practical identification unit rather than the printing.
Is a book-club edition a Springer Publishing Company first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Entirely separate company from Springer-Verlag (now Springer Nature) despite the shared family surname; the two have always been independent firms.
What era does this cover?
This covers Springer Publishing Company (1950-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.