How to identify a first printing
- First printings state 'First Edition' or carry the copyright line alone with no later-printing notice; subsequent printings/editions are noted on the copyright page.
- Modern UC Press titles use a number line on the copyright page; '1' present = first printing.
- Revised editions give the original and revised publication dates.
Notable points & cautions
- Like most academic presses, UC Press historically denoted LATER printings rather than stamping the first — absence of a reprint notice is the working signal for older books.
- Many UC Press regional/natural-history titles are reprinted repeatedly with the same copyright year; use the number line.
- Luminos titles are open-access digital-first — print copies are print-on-demand and not collectible 'first printings' in the traditional sense.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Luminos (open access), California Studies series, Ahmanson-Murphy Fine Arts (distributed). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my University of California Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printings state 'First Edition' or carry the copyright line alone with no later-printing notice; subsequent printings/editions are noted on the copyright page. Modern UC Press titles use a number line on the copyright page; '1' present = first printing.
Does University of California Press use a number line?
Modern UC Press titles use a number line on the copyright page; '1' present = first printing.
Is a book-club edition a University of California Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Like most academic presses, UC Press historically denoted LATER printings rather than stamping the first — absence of a reprint notice is the working signal for older books.
What era does this cover?
This covers University of California Press (1893–present (number lines standard later 20th c.)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.