The fastest check: Modern firsts carry a full descending number line; a '1' present indicates the first printing.
How to identify a first printing
- Modern firsts carry a full descending number line; a '1' present indicates the first printing.
- First printing copyright page lists the copyright year with no later-printing notices.
- Later printings add impression statements to the copyright page.
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 1949; major Catholic studies, theology, philosophy, and medieval studies list; describes itself as the largest Catholic university press.
- Some titles are co-published or distributed for other houses, so check the copyright page for the originating press's conventions.
- Older titles may omit explicit first-printing wording.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my University of Notre Dame Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern firsts carry a full descending number line; a '1' present indicates the first printing. First printing copyright page lists the copyright year with no later-printing notices.
Does University of Notre Dame Press use a number line?
First printing copyright page lists the copyright year with no later-printing notices.
Is a book-club edition a University of Notre Dame Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1949; major Catholic studies, theology, philosophy, and medieval studies list; describes itself as the largest Catholic university press.
What era does this cover?
This covers University of Notre Dame Press (1949-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.