The fastest check: Modern titles carry a descending number line on the copyright page; the digit 1 present indicates a first printing
How to identify a first printing
- Modern titles carry a descending number line on the copyright page; the digit 1 present indicates a first printing
- A first printing shows a clean copyright page without later-printing notices
- Later printings add an explicit printing statement or drop low digits from the number line
Decode the printer's key: paste the number line into the number-line decoder, search any title in the First Edition Checker, or run a book through the identifier.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1947 and formally established for regular publication in 1966; focus on the history, culture, and literature of Texas and the American West
- A distinct house from SMU Press and Texas A&M University Press, the three principal Texas academic presses
- Many regional Texana titles have been reprinted, so identification relies on the number line and any printing statement
Imprints
First editions also appear under: TCU Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Texas Christian University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern titles carry a descending number line on the copyright page; the digit 1 present indicates a first printing A first printing shows a clean copyright page without later-printing notices
Does Texas Christian University Press use a number line?
A first printing shows a clean copyright page without later-printing notices
Is a book-club edition a Texas Christian University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1947 and formally established for regular publication in 1966; focus on the history, culture, and literature of Texas and the American West
What era does this cover?
This covers Texas Christian University Press (1947/1966-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.