How to identify a first printing
- States 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' on the copyright page of first editions, and notes subsequent printings.
- DISTINCTIVE older tell: pre-1980s Wesleyan books often carry a numeral in parentheses or brackets at the FOOT OF THE LAST PAGE — '(1)' = first printing, '(2)' = second printing, etc. — sometimes in place of a copyright-page statement.
- Since the 1980s, Wesleyan uses a number row/line (and a year row) on the copyright page to indicate printing and year; lowest figures present = first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- The parenthetical numeral at the foot of the last printed page is the signature Wesleyan point of issue for mid-century books — check the very last page, not just the copyright page.
- Wesleyan Poetry Series is the prestige line (James Wright, Anne Sexton, James Dickey, Robert Bly, etc.) and the most collected — confirm the '(1)' or first-printing statement for true firsts.
- Don't mistake a later 'second printing' poetry volume (very common for award winners) for a first.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Wesleyan Poetry Series, Music/Culture series, Early Classics of Science Fiction. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Wesleyan University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. States 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' on the copyright page of first editions, and notes subsequent printings. DISTINCTIVE older tell: pre-1980s Wesleyan books often carry a numeral in parentheses or brackets at the FOOT OF THE LAST PAGE — '(1)' = first printing, '(2)' = second printing, etc. — sometimes in place of a copyright-page statement.
Does Wesleyan University Press use a number line?
DISTINCTIVE older tell: pre-1980s Wesleyan books often carry a numeral in parentheses or brackets at the FOOT OF THE LAST PAGE — '(1)' = first printing, '(2)' = second printing, etc. — sometimes in place of a copyright-page statement.
Is a book-club edition a Wesleyan University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. The parenthetical numeral at the foot of the last printed page is the signature Wesleyan point of issue for mid-century books — check the very last page, not just the copyright page.
What era does this cover?
This covers Wesleyan University Press (1957–present (parenthetical-numeral tell pre-1980s; number row from the 1980s)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.