How to identify a first printing
- University-press convention: copyright page typically states the printing via a number line (often the printing-and-year double line, e.g., a row of printing numbers over a row of years), first printing = lowest numbers present including 1
- Frequently 'First edition' is stated; scholarly/regional titles emphasize the EDITION (content) over the printing
- College Station, TX, founded 1974; Texas/Western Americana, natural history, military history
- Operates the Texas Book Consortium distributing other Texas regional presses — those carry their own imprint names but similar conventions
Notable points & cautions
- University-press double number line (printings over years) is common — read the printing row, not just a single descending line
- Regional natural-history and Texana titles get revised; distinguish 'second edition' (revised) from later printings
- No idiosyncratic house point beyond standard scholarly-press practice
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Texas A&M University Press, and consortium member presses it distributes. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Texas A&M University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. University-press convention: copyright page typically states the printing via a number line (often the printing-and-year double line, e.g., a row of printing numbers over a row of years), first printing = lowest numbers present including 1 Frequently 'First edition' is stated; scholarly/regional titles emphasize the EDITION (content) over the printing
Does Texas A&M University Press use a number line?
Frequently 'First edition' is stated; scholarly/regional titles emphasize the EDITION (content) over the printing
Is a book-club edition a Texas A&M University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. University-press double number line (printings over years) is common — read the printing row, not just a single descending line
What era does this cover?
This covers Texas A&M University Press (1974–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.