How to identify a first printing
- 1962-1987 (original Press): Copyright page reads 'First published [year] by Sydney University Press' with '© [year]' and 'Printed in Australia'; a first printing is identified by the matching year and the absence of any reprint note. After closure in 1987 the name became an imprint of Oxford University Press until the mid-1990s, when OUP relinquished it.
- 2003-present (revived Press): Re-established under the University of Sydney Library as a digital and print-on-demand publisher. The copyright page carries 'First published [year]', a full ISBN block (often separate print and ebook ISBNs), and an Australian CIP entry; because of POD, 'printing' state is generally immaterial and first issue is keyed by the edition statement and ISBN. A distinct ISBN signals a distinct edition.
Notable points & cautions
- Original press operated 1962-1987; after it closed, the name was carried as an imprint of Oxford University Press until the mid-1990s, then re-established in 2003 under the University of Sydney Library.
- The 1962-1987 imprint and the post-2003 imprint share a name but are effectively two eras, so a 21st-century ISBN/POD title cannot be a 1960s-70s first.
- Modern output is largely open-access and print-on-demand, so collectible 'first printings' chiefly concern original-era titles.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Sydney University Press, Sydney Studies (series, original-era). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Sydney University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1962-1987 (original Press): Copyright page reads 'First published [year] by Sydney University Press' with '© [year]' and 'Printed in Australia'; a first printing is identified by the matching year and the absence of any reprint note. After closure in 1987 the name became an imprint of Oxford University Press until the mid-1990s, when OUP relinquished it. 2003-present (revived Press): Re-established under the University of Sydney Library as a digital and print-on-demand publisher. The copyright page carries 'First published [year]', a full ISBN block (often separate print and ebook ISBNs), and an Australian CIP entry; because of POD, 'printing' state is generally immaterial and first issue is keyed by the edition statement and ISBN. A distinct ISBN signals a distinct edition.
Does Sydney University Press use a number line?
2003-present (revived Press): Re-established under the University of Sydney Library as a digital and print-on-demand publisher. The copyright page carries 'First published [year]', a full ISBN block (often separate print and ebook ISBNs), and an Australian CIP entry; because of POD, 'printing' state is generally immaterial and first issue is keyed by the edition statement and ISBN. A distinct ISBN signals a distinct edition.
Is a book-club edition a Sydney University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Original press operated 1962-1987; after it closed, the name was carried as an imprint of Oxford University Press until the mid-1990s, then re-established in 2003 under the University of Sydney Library.
What era does this cover?
This covers Sydney University Press (1962-1987 (original Press); imprint of Oxford University Press to mid-1990s; revived 2003-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.