How to identify a first printing
- 1922-c.1990: Standard British copyright-page convention; many titles are bilingual or Welsh-language. First printing: 'First published [year]' or the Welsh 'Argraffiad cyntaf [year]' (first edition/impression) with no reprint note, and '© University of Wales Press / Gwasg Prifysgol Cymru'. Later printings note 'Reprinted [year]' or the Welsh 'Ailargraffwyd [year]'.
- c.1990-present: 'First published [year]' plus a number line indicating impression (lowest digit = impression) and an ISBN/copyright block; bilingual imprint statement common. The Welsh 'Argraffiad cyntaf' is the equivalent first-edition/first-impression tell.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1922 as a central service of the federal University of Wales (recommended by the 1918 Haldane Royal Commission); based in Cardiff with a backlist of over 3,500 titles.
- Bilingual imprint: 'Gwasg Prifysgol Cymru' is the same publisher; the Welsh 'Argraffiad cyntaf' means first edition/impression and 'Ailargraffwyd' means reprinted — key Welsh-language tells.
- Strong in Welsh and Celtic studies, Welsh history, literary studies, and medieval studies.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: University of Wales Press, Gwasg Prifysgol Cymru (Welsh-language imprint name), Gwasg Gomer (occasional co-publisher). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my University of Wales Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1922-c.1990: Standard British copyright-page convention; many titles are bilingual or Welsh-language. First printing: 'First published [year]' or the Welsh 'Argraffiad cyntaf [year]' (first edition/impression) with no reprint note, and '© University of Wales Press / Gwasg Prifysgol Cymru'. Later printings note 'Reprinted [year]' or the Welsh 'Ailargraffwyd [year]'. c.1990-present: 'First published [year]' plus a number line indicating impression (lowest digit = impression) and an ISBN/copyright block; bilingual imprint statement common. The Welsh 'Argraffiad cyntaf' is the equivalent first-edition/first-impression tell.
Does University of Wales Press use a number line?
c.1990-present: 'First published [year]' plus a number line indicating impression (lowest digit = impression) and an ISBN/copyright block; bilingual imprint statement common. The Welsh 'Argraffiad cyntaf' is the equivalent first-edition/first-impression tell.
Is a book-club edition a University of Wales Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1922 as a central service of the federal University of Wales (recommended by the 1918 Haldane Royal Commission); based in Cardiff with a backlist of over 3,500 titles.
What era does this cover?
This covers University of Wales Press (1922-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.