How to identify a first printing
- 1977–c.1990 (Zed Press): firsts identified by 'First published <year> by Zed Press'; number lines are often absent, so the first printing is shown by the absence of a reprint statement. Many titles were issued simultaneously in hardback and paperback — distinguish by binding (and price/ISBN), as each binding is a first in its own right.
- c.1990–2019 (Zed Books): 'First published <year> by Zed Books Ltd' with a descending number line (lowest figure, 1, marks the first printing).
- 2020 onward: Zed's assets were absorbed into Bloomsbury (Bloomsbury Academic); titles issued after the acquisition follow Bloomsbury's number-line convention. A true independent-Zed first predates this and carries the standalone Zed imprint.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 1977 as Zed Press by Roger van Zwanenberg; a pioneer of African, Asian and feminist development scholarship in English, and for decades a worker-owned cooperative.
- Simultaneous hardback and paperback issue was common — both are firsts in their respective bindings.
- Bloomsbury acquired Zed's assets in March 2020; the earlier independent Zed imprint is the collectible first.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Zed Books, Zed Press (the original name), Zed Scholar. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Zed Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1977–c.1990 (Zed Press): firsts identified by 'First published <year> by Zed Press'; number lines are often absent, so the first printing is shown by the absence of a reprint statement. Many titles were issued simultaneously in hardback and paperback — distinguish by binding (and price/ISBN), as each binding is a first in its own right. c.1990–2019 (Zed Books): 'First published <year> by Zed Books Ltd' with a descending number line (lowest figure, 1, marks the first printing).
Does Zed Books use a number line?
c.1990–2019 (Zed Books): 'First published <year> by Zed Books Ltd' with a descending number line (lowest figure, 1, marks the first printing).
Is a book-club edition a Zed Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 1977 as Zed Press by Roger van Zwanenberg; a pioneer of African, Asian and feminist development scholarship in English, and for decades a worker-owned cooperative.
What era does this cover?
This covers Zed Books (1977–2019 (independent)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.