How to identify a first printing
- The copyright page states 'First published [year] by University of Queensland Press' for a first printing; no 'Reprinted' lines beneath indicate a first impression.
- Later printings add 'Reprinted [year]' lines; the publication-year statement matching the copyright year with no reprint line is the first-printing tell.
- Original wrappers/jackets and SBN/ISBN format help date a copy: pre-1970 imprints predate ISBNs, and Paperback Poets volumes are identified by series number plus the absence of a reprint notice.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1948 as the scholarly publishing arm of the University of Queensland; moved into trade/literary publishing in the late 1960s, with the Paperback Poets series (instigated by David Malouf) launched in 1970.
- Published the first books of Peter Carey, David Malouf, Kate Grenville, Rodney Hall, Olga Masters, Roger McDonald, Murray Bail and Marion Halligan — these UQP firsts are key collectible points; e.g. Malouf's 'Bicycle and Other Poems', one of the three 1970 Paperback Poets launch titles.
- Paperback Poets volumes were issued in card wrappers; the condition of those fragile wrappers is the main value driver. A few early poetry titles exist in both wrappered and (rarely) cloth states.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: UQP, Paperback Poets (series), Black Australian Writers / First Nations Classics (series). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my University of Queensland Press (UQP) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. The copyright page states 'First published [year] by University of Queensland Press' for a first printing; no 'Reprinted' lines beneath indicate a first impression. Later printings add 'Reprinted [year]' lines; the publication-year statement matching the copyright year with no reprint line is the first-printing tell.
Does University of Queensland Press (UQP) use a number line?
Later printings add 'Reprinted [year]' lines; the publication-year statement matching the copyright year with no reprint line is the first-printing tell.
Is a book-club edition a University of Queensland Press (UQP) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1948 as the scholarly publishing arm of the University of Queensland; moved into trade/literary publishing in the late 1960s, with the Paperback Poets series (instigated by David Malouf) launched in 1970.
What era does this cover?
This covers University of Queensland Press (UQP) (1948–present (trade publishing since the late 1960s)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.