How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page notes later printings/editions; a first printing shows only the copyright line (no later-printing statement). Modern titles carry a number line where '1' = first printing.
- Stanford copyright pages often print 'Last figure below indicates year of this printing' followed by a year line and/or a separate printing-number line — read both.
- Revised editions are explicitly numbered and dated.
Notable points & cautions
- The dual 'year line + printing line' on the copyright page is a common academic format; the lowest figures present indicate the first printing.
- Standard convention: later printings marked rather than the first affirmatively stated for older books.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Redwood Press, Stanford Briefs, Stanford Business Books, Stanford Law Books. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Stanford University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page notes later printings/editions; a first printing shows only the copyright line (no later-printing statement). Modern titles carry a number line where '1' = first printing. Stanford copyright pages often print 'Last figure below indicates year of this printing' followed by a year line and/or a separate printing-number line — read both.
Does Stanford University Press use a number line?
Stanford copyright pages often print 'Last figure below indicates year of this printing' followed by a year line and/or a separate printing-number line — read both.
Is a book-club edition a Stanford University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. The dual 'year line + printing line' on the copyright page is a common academic format; the lowest figures present indicate the first printing.
What era does this cover?
This covers Stanford University Press (1925–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.