How to identify a first printing
- Pre-2001 (State Historical Society of Wisconsin imprint): no explicit first-printing statement; later printings/impressions noted, so a first printing is consistent with matching title/copyright dates and no later-impression line. The society's book publishing dates to 1855 (Volume I of the Wisconsin Historical Collections).
- 2001–present (Wisconsin Historical Society Press): the institution rebranded its public-facing name from 'State Historical Society of Wisconsin' to 'Wisconsin Historical Society' in 2001, and books carry the 'Wisconsin Historical Society Press' imprint. Use the number line on the copyright page (lowest number present indicates the printing; a '1' present indicates a first printing), with a standard CIP/ISBN block. Reprints of Wisconsin classics carry a new copyright/printing line and are not the original first edition.
- Imprint name is a dating aid: 'State Historical Society of Wisconsin' on the title/copyright page generally indicates a pre-2001 issue; 'Wisconsin Historical Society Press' generally indicates 2001 or later.
Notable points & cautions
- Publishing arm of the Wisconsin Historical Society (founded 1846, chartered 1853); the society rebranded its name from 'State Historical Society of Wisconsin' to 'Wisconsin Historical Society' in 2001, though the older name remains its official statutory name.
- Wisconsin's oldest book publisher: its first title, Volume I of the Wisconsin Historical Collections, appeared in 1855.
- Strong list on Wisconsin and Upper-Midwest history, including some reprints of regional classics.
- Distinct from the University of Wisconsin Press, though both are in Madison.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my State Historical Society of Wisconsin / Wisconsin Historical Society Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Pre-2001 (State Historical Society of Wisconsin imprint): no explicit first-printing statement; later printings/impressions noted, so a first printing is consistent with matching title/copyright dates and no later-impression line. The society's book publishing dates to 1855 (Volume I of the Wisconsin Historical Collections). 2001–present (Wisconsin Historical Society Press): the institution rebranded its public-facing name from 'State Historical Society of Wisconsin' to 'Wisconsin Historical Society' in 2001, and books carry the 'Wisconsin Historical Society Press' imprint. Use the number line on the copyright page (lowest number present indicates the printing; a '1' present indicates a first printing), with a standard CIP/ISBN block. Reprints of Wisconsin classics carry a new copyright/printing line and are not the original first edition.
Does State Historical Society of Wisconsin / Wisconsin Historical Society Press use a number line?
2001–present (Wisconsin Historical Society Press): the institution rebranded its public-facing name from 'State Historical Society of Wisconsin' to 'Wisconsin Historical Society' in 2001, and books carry the 'Wisconsin Historical Society Press' imprint. Use the number line on the copyright page (lowest number present indicates the printing; a '1' present indicates a first printing), with a standard CIP/ISBN block. Reprints of Wisconsin classics carry a new copyright/printing line and are not the original first edition.
Is a book-club edition a State Historical Society of Wisconsin / Wisconsin Historical Society Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Publishing arm of the Wisconsin Historical Society (founded 1846, chartered 1853); the society rebranded its name from 'State Historical Society of Wisconsin' to 'Wisconsin Historical Society' in 2001, though the older name remains its official statutory name.
What era does this cover?
This covers State Historical Society of Wisconsin / Wisconsin Historical Society Press (1855–present (society chartered 1846; first book published 1855)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.