How to identify a first printing
- Trade publisher founded by Edward J. Stackpole in Harrisburg in 1930; the Stackpole Books name dates from a 1959 merger. Modern titles: a descending number line on the copyright page with 1 present indicates a first printing; later printings drop the low digits.
- Many titles also state 'First edition' explicitly; revised editions are labeled (Second edition, Revised and expanded).
- Earlier mid-century titles without a number line: a single copyright/title-page date with no added printing statement indicates a first printing.
- A number line may be printed left-to-right or right-to-left; the presence of 1, not the direction, signals a first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Included here for its large outdoors, natural history, military history, and Americana lists rather than for a regional focus.
- Now part of the Globe Pequot / Rowman & Littlefield group (acquired 2015); sister imprint Lyons Press overlaps in subject matter, so check the actual imprint on the copyright page.
- Outdoor/how-to and military titles were frequently revised and reprinted, so the number line plus any edition statement is the reliable tell.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Stackpole Classics, Lyons Press (sister imprint under Globe Pequot / Rowman & Littlefield). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Stackpole Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Trade publisher founded by Edward J. Stackpole in Harrisburg in 1930; the Stackpole Books name dates from a 1959 merger. Modern titles: a descending number line on the copyright page with 1 present indicates a first printing; later printings drop the low digits. Many titles also state 'First edition' explicitly; revised editions are labeled (Second edition, Revised and expanded).
Does Stackpole Books use a number line?
Many titles also state 'First edition' explicitly; revised editions are labeled (Second edition, Revised and expanded).
Is a book-club edition a Stackpole Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Included here for its large outdoors, natural history, military history, and Americana lists rather than for a regional focus.
What era does this cover?
This covers Stackpole Books (1930-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.