How to identify a first printing
- 1986–c.1996 (as Thomas Jefferson University Press at Northeast Missouri State University): small scholarly press; no first-printing statement. First printing is inferred from matching title/copyright dates with no later-printing line, with a standard CIP/ISBN block present. The 'Thomas Jefferson University Press' imprint name dates a copy to this period.
- c.1996–2021 (renamed Truman State University Press after the university's 1996 renaming): printing number line on the copyright page where used, with the lowest number present indicating the printing; standard CIP/ISBN block. Many titles are single-printing, so absence of a later-printing notation is the more reliable tell.
Notable points & cautions
- Established 1986 as Thomas Jefferson University Press; renamed Truman State University Press after Northeast Missouri State University became Truman State University (name effective July 1, 1996) — the imprint name dates a title.
- Specialized in early-modern/Renaissance studies, including the Sixteenth Century Essays & Studies series.
- Very small print runs; single-printing titles were the norm. The press wound down around 2017 and formally closed in 2021, so it is no longer an active publisher.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Thomas Jefferson University Press (former name, 1986–c.1996), New Odyssey Series. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Truman State University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1986–c.1996 (as Thomas Jefferson University Press at Northeast Missouri State University): small scholarly press; no first-printing statement. First printing is inferred from matching title/copyright dates with no later-printing line, with a standard CIP/ISBN block present. The 'Thomas Jefferson University Press' imprint name dates a copy to this period. c.1996–2021 (renamed Truman State University Press after the university's 1996 renaming): printing number line on the copyright page where used, with the lowest number present indicating the printing; standard CIP/ISBN block. Many titles are single-printing, so absence of a later-printing notation is the more reliable tell.
Does Truman State University Press use a number line?
c.1996–2021 (renamed Truman State University Press after the university's 1996 renaming): printing number line on the copyright page where used, with the lowest number present indicating the printing; standard CIP/ISBN block. Many titles are single-printing, so absence of a later-printing notation is the more reliable tell.
Is a book-club edition a Truman State University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Established 1986 as Thomas Jefferson University Press; renamed Truman State University Press after Northeast Missouri State University became Truman State University (name effective July 1, 1996) — the imprint name dates a title.
What era does this cover?
This covers Truman State University Press (1986–2021 (ceased operations c.2017; formally closed 2021)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.