How to identify a first printing
- 1939-1985: first/only-edition status is established by the COLOPHON limitation statement; there is no 'First Edition' wording and no number line. Editions were small (commonly on the order of 100-140 copies) and hand-set, and the colophon records limitation, date, paper, and types.
- Early period (Lewis and Dorothy Allen, from 1939): identify by the colophon limitation and the Allen Press device; many titles are on named handmade papers recorded in the colophon.
- Mature period: the colophon remains controlling and the copy number is frequently hand-numbered; 'The Allen Press Bibliography' is the standard cross-check for points and limitation figures.
- Because no trade printings exist, every copy is the limited edition described in the colophon.
Notable points & cautions
- Operated entirely by Lewis and Dorothy Allen on a hand press from 1939; every book is effectively a first edition, as nothing was reprinted.
- First book (1939) was 'The Trail of Beauty' by Lewis Allen's father, Harris Sterns Allen, in an edition of 100 copies.
- Inspired by Aldus Manutius, William Morris, John Henry Nash, and the Grabhorns.
- Watch that the press's own 'Allen Press Bibliography' itself appeared in more than one state/edition.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Allen Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1939-1985: first/only-edition status is established by the COLOPHON limitation statement; there is no 'First Edition' wording and no number line. Editions were small (commonly on the order of 100-140 copies) and hand-set, and the colophon records limitation, date, paper, and types. Early period (Lewis and Dorothy Allen, from 1939): identify by the colophon limitation and the Allen Press device; many titles are on named handmade papers recorded in the colophon.
Does Allen Press use a number line?
Early period (Lewis and Dorothy Allen, from 1939): identify by the colophon limitation and the Allen Press device; many titles are on named handmade papers recorded in the colophon.
Is a book-club edition a Allen Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Operated entirely by Lewis and Dorothy Allen on a hand press from 1939; every book is effectively a first edition, as nothing was reprinted.
What era does this cover?
This covers Allen Press (1939-1985). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.