How to identify a first printing
- 1958–c.1975: No first-printing statement on scholarly first editions; later printings/impressions noted; first printing = matching title/copyright dates with no later-impression line.
- c.1975–present: Number line on the copyright page; lowest number present indicates the printing, so a '1' present = first printing. Library of Congress CIP block standard.
- Paperback reissues/reprints state the new printing year; distinguish a later printing from the original cloth first.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1958 by William Peden of the university's English Department; lists in Mark Twain and Langston Hughes studies, American literature, journalism, and Missouri/Midwest regional history.
- Slated for closure in 2012 amid budget cuts, but reversed after public protest and restructured under the university system — publishing continued.
- Smaller regional/scholarly list; many titles do not reach a second printing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my University of Missouri Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1958–c.1975: No first-printing statement on scholarly first editions; later printings/impressions noted; first printing = matching title/copyright dates with no later-impression line. c.1975–present: Number line on the copyright page; lowest number present indicates the printing, so a '1' present = first printing. Library of Congress CIP block standard.
Does University of Missouri Press use a number line?
c.1975–present: Number line on the copyright page; lowest number present indicates the printing, so a '1' present = first printing. Library of Congress CIP block standard.
Is a book-club edition a University of Missouri Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1958 by William Peden of the university's English Department; lists in Mark Twain and Langston Hughes studies, American literature, journalism, and Missouri/Midwest regional history.
What era does this cover?
This covers University of Missouri Press (1958–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.