How to identify a first printing
- 1942-1950s (original 'The Wakefield Press'): Founded in 1942 by Adelaide bookseller Harry Muir to publish small South Australian historical monographs. First editions are identified by a dated copyright/imprint page and a 'First published' statement where present; absence of a reprint notice indicates a first printing.
- 1989-present (current Wakefield Press): Independent Adelaide publisher under Michael Bollen (with Stephanie Johnston) from 1989, the name having been revived by the South Australian government for its 1986 sesquicentenary before passing to private ownership. First editions are identified by a 'First published 19xx/20xx' statement on the copyright/imprint page, with reprints adding 'Reprinted' lines. Where a number line appears, the lowest number indicates the printing; no reprint line plus the earliest stated year indicates a first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- South Australia's leading independent publisher under its current management since 1989, strong in South Australian history, food and wine, and local literature; publishes around 40 titles a year.
- The name evokes Edward Gibbon Wakefield's colonisation scheme for South Australia rather than honouring a founder; the original 1942 press was started by bookseller Harry Muir, and the name was later revived by the state government for the colony's 150th anniversary.
- Standard Australian identification: a 'First published' statement plus the absence of a reprint line, with a number line on many modern trade titles.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Wakefield Press (current independent publisher), The Wakefield Press (original 1942 imprint). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Wakefield Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1942-1950s (original 'The Wakefield Press'): Founded in 1942 by Adelaide bookseller Harry Muir to publish small South Australian historical monographs. First editions are identified by a dated copyright/imprint page and a 'First published' statement where present; absence of a reprint notice indicates a first printing. 1989-present (current Wakefield Press): Independent Adelaide publisher under Michael Bollen (with Stephanie Johnston) from 1989, the name having been revived by the South Australian government for its 1986 sesquicentenary before passing to private ownership. First editions are identified by a 'First published 19xx/20xx' statement on the copyright/imprint page, with reprints adding 'Reprinted' lines. Where a number line appears, the lowest number indicates the printing; no reprint line plus the earliest stated year indicates a first printing.
Does Wakefield Press use a number line?
1989-present (current Wakefield Press): Independent Adelaide publisher under Michael Bollen (with Stephanie Johnston) from 1989, the name having been revived by the South Australian government for its 1986 sesquicentenary before passing to private ownership. First editions are identified by a 'First published 19xx/20xx' statement on the copyright/imprint page, with reprints adding 'Reprinted' lines. Where a number line appears, the lowest number indicates the printing; no reprint line plus the earliest stated year indicates a first printing.
Is a book-club edition a Wakefield Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. South Australia's leading independent publisher under its current management since 1989, strong in South Australian history, food and wine, and local literature; publishes around 40 titles a year.
What era does this cover?
This covers Wakefield Press (1942-1950s (original); 1989-present (current management)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.