How to identify a first printing
- Mid-1970s-1990s: Sporting and nature titles typically state 'First Edition' or 'First printing' on the copyright page and/or carry a descending number line in which '1' indicates the first printing. Where a signed or numbered limited issue exists, it is identified by its own limitation/colophon page stating the copy number.
- 1990s-present: Standard number-line practice applies; the lowest surviving digit indicates the printing. Nature and photographic gift books are frequently reprinted, with later printings shown only by the number line rather than an explicit later-printing statement.
Notable points & cautions
- Family-owned Wisconsin Northwoods house (Minocqua) publishing nature, outdoor, sporting, gardening, wildlife, and photographic gift books, with a strong calendar and gift-book line in recent decades.
- Known for hunting, fly-fishing, sporting-dog, and wildlife titles among its trade output.
- A separate nature publisher, NorthWord Press, also operated out of Minocqua, Wisconsin; a formal corporate affiliation between the two is not firmly documented and should not be asserted.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Willow Creek Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Willow Creek Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Mid-1970s-1990s: Sporting and nature titles typically state 'First Edition' or 'First printing' on the copyright page and/or carry a descending number line in which '1' indicates the first printing. Where a signed or numbered limited issue exists, it is identified by its own limitation/colophon page stating the copy number. 1990s-present: Standard number-line practice applies; the lowest surviving digit indicates the printing. Nature and photographic gift books are frequently reprinted, with later printings shown only by the number line rather than an explicit later-printing statement.
Does Willow Creek Press use a number line?
1990s-present: Standard number-line practice applies; the lowest surviving digit indicates the printing. Nature and photographic gift books are frequently reprinted, with later printings shown only by the number line rather than an explicit later-printing statement.
Is a book-club edition a Willow Creek Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Family-owned Wisconsin Northwoods house (Minocqua) publishing nature, outdoor, sporting, gardening, wildlife, and photographic gift books, with a strong calendar and gift-book line in recent decades.
What era does this cover?
This covers Willow Creek Press (mid-1970s-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.