The fastest check: Modern titles carry a descending number line on the copyright page; the digit 1 present indicates a first printing
How to identify a first printing
- Modern titles carry a descending number line on the copyright page; the digit 1 present indicates a first printing
- A first printing shows a copyright page free of later-printing notices
- Later printings add an impression statement
- The publisher name on the title and copyright page helps date the printing era: 'University Press of Virginia' through 2001 versus 'University of Virginia Press' from 2002 onward
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
- Established 1963 as the University Press of Virginia; renamed University of Virginia Press in 2002
- Known for Jefferson and early-American documentary editions and Southern literature and history
- Rotunda is the digital-publishing imprint and is not relevant to identifying print first editions
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Rotunda (digital imprint). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my University of Virginia Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern titles carry a descending number line on the copyright page; the digit 1 present indicates a first printing A first printing shows a copyright page free of later-printing notices
Does University of Virginia Press use a number line?
A first printing shows a copyright page free of later-printing notices
Is a book-club edition a University of Virginia Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Established 1963 as the University Press of Virginia; renamed University of Virginia Press in 2002
What era does this cover?
This covers University of Virginia Press (1963-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.