How to identify a first printing
- 1922-c.1990 (as Witwatersrand University Press): South African scholarly press following British/Commonwealth convention. A first printing typically shows 'First published [year]', a copyright line for that year, and 'Printed in South Africa', with no reprint note; later printings add 'Reprinted [year]'.
- c.1990-present (as Wits University Press): the modernized imprint shows 'First published [year]' with a number line for the impression (lowest digit indicates the printing) and a full ISBN/CIP block. A full number line ending in 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing.
- Co-publishing tell: some titles are co-published or co-distributed with overseas presses (for example via Cambridge or NYU Press partnerships), so confirm the market of issue, since the overseas partner's printing may differ from the South African first.
Notable points & cautions
- South Africa's oldest university press, founded in 1922 at the University of the Witwatersrand; its first book, The Natural Resources of South Africa by R. A. Lehfeldt, appeared in April 1922.
- The imprint name was shortened from 'Witwatersrand University Press' to 'Wits University Press' in the modern era, which serves as a rough dating tell.
- Strengths include African studies, history, politics, archaeology and rock art, art and heritage, and literary studies; some titles are co-published with overseas presses, so verify the market of issue.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Wits University Press, Witwatersrand University Press (historic form). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Wits University Press (Witwatersrand University Press) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1922-c.1990 (as Witwatersrand University Press): South African scholarly press following British/Commonwealth convention. A first printing typically shows 'First published [year]', a copyright line for that year, and 'Printed in South Africa', with no reprint note; later printings add 'Reprinted [year]'. c.1990-present (as Wits University Press): the modernized imprint shows 'First published [year]' with a number line for the impression (lowest digit indicates the printing) and a full ISBN/CIP block. A full number line ending in 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing.
Does Wits University Press (Witwatersrand University Press) use a number line?
c.1990-present (as Wits University Press): the modernized imprint shows 'First published [year]' with a number line for the impression (lowest digit indicates the printing) and a full ISBN/CIP block. A full number line ending in 1 with no reprint statement indicates a first printing.
Is a book-club edition a Wits University Press (Witwatersrand University Press) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. South Africa's oldest university press, founded in 1922 at the University of the Witwatersrand; its first book, The Natural Resources of South Africa by R. A. Lehfeldt, appeared in April 1922.
What era does this cover?
This covers Wits University Press (Witwatersrand University Press) (1922-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.