How to identify a first printing
- Modern: full descending number line; '1' present indicates a first printing
- First printing copyright page shows no later-printing history
- Pitt Poetry Series and Drue Heinz Prize titles follow the same number-line convention; first printings matter most for prize and poetry collectibility, so confirm the line carries '1'
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1936; the Pitt Poetry Series (launched 1968) is heavily collected, including early Ted Kooser, Larry Levis, and Toi Derricotte, so verify the number line carries '1'
- Drue Heinz Literature Prize short-fiction volumes (prize initiated 1981) are sought-after firsts
- Later printings of popular poetry titles retain the original copyright year, so rely on the number line rather than the date
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Pitt Poetry Series, Drue Heinz Literature Prize (series), Pitt Series in Russian and East European Studies. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my University of Pittsburgh Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern: full descending number line; '1' present indicates a first printing First printing copyright page shows no later-printing history
Does University of Pittsburgh Press use a number line?
First printing copyright page shows no later-printing history
Is a book-club edition a University of Pittsburgh Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1936; the Pitt Poetry Series (launched 1968) is heavily collected, including early Ted Kooser, Larry Levis, and Toi Derricotte, so verify the number line carries '1'
What era does this cover?
This covers University of Pittsburgh Press (1936-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.