How to identify a first printing
- Older/standard convention: the copyright page of a REPRINT states the date of first publication and lists subsequent printings/editions; a copy whose copyright page carries only the copyright line (no reprint or later-printing data) is a first printing.
- Revised editions always state the date of the original edition plus the revision — so any 'Second edition'/'Revised edition'/'Reprinted' language rules out a first printing of the first edition.
- Modern Yale titles include a number line on the copyright page; a line containing '1' marks the first printing.
- Some first printings explicitly state 'First published 19xx by Yale University Press' with no further printing history.
Notable points & cautions
- Yale, like most academic presses, historically identified LATER printings rather than affirmatively stamping the first — so 'no reprint notice' is the operative signal for pre-number-line books.
- Watch dual US/UK imprints: Yale UK (London) and Yale New Haven may show different printing histories for the same title.
- Anchor Yale Bible commentary volumes are frequently revised/reissued — verify edition statements carefully.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Yale Nota Bene, Yale Anchor Bible (Anchor Yale Bible), Margellos World Republic of Letters. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Yale University Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Older/standard convention: the copyright page of a REPRINT states the date of first publication and lists subsequent printings/editions; a copy whose copyright page carries only the copyright line (no reprint or later-printing data) is a first printing. Revised editions always state the date of the original edition plus the revision — so any 'Second edition'/'Revised edition'/'Reprinted' language rules out a first printing of the first edition.
Does Yale University Press use a number line?
Revised editions always state the date of the original edition plus the revision — so any 'Second edition'/'Revised edition'/'Reprinted' language rules out a first printing of the first edition.
Is a book-club edition a Yale University Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Yale, like most academic presses, historically identified LATER printings rather than affirmatively stamping the first — so 'no reprint notice' is the operative signal for pre-number-line books.
What era does this cover?
This covers Yale University Press (1908–present (reprint-statement convention throughout; number lines added in later decades)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.