How to identify a first printing
- 1993/1994-c.2013: titles are limited-edition cloth hardcovers; the stated limitation (typically 200-600 numbered copies) on the colophon identifies the first - no trade reprint exists to confuse it.
- Earliest items (1993): e.g., M.R. James 'Two Ghost Stories: A Centenary,' 200 numbered copies in pictorial boards WITHOUT dust wrapper - format itself is a tell.
- Mid/late titles: octavo, publisher's cloth (often burgundy) with bright/copper spine lettering and a glossy pictorial dust jacket; limitation commonly 500-600.
- Imprint location dates the era: 'Penyffordd, Chester' (UK) = earlier; 'Ashcroft, BC' (Canada) = later, after the Rodens relocated.
- Later, Ash-Tree also issued e-book and POD lines; physical limited hardcover with numbered colophon = the collectible first.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by Christopher and Barbara Roden (mid-1990s); specializes in resurrecting Victorian/Edwardian supernatural fiction.
- World Fantasy Award-winning press (1997 Special Award, Non-Professional); flagship 'Annual Macabre' series.
- Relocated from the UK (Penyffordd, Chester) to Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada - imprint address is a reliable era marker.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Ash-Tree Press Annual Macabre, Ghost Story Press (assoc.). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Ash-Tree Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1993/1994-c.2013: titles are limited-edition cloth hardcovers; the stated limitation (typically 200-600 numbered copies) on the colophon identifies the first - no trade reprint exists to confuse it. Earliest items (1993): e.g., M.R. James 'Two Ghost Stories: A Centenary,' 200 numbered copies in pictorial boards WITHOUT dust wrapper - format itself is a tell.
Does Ash-Tree Press use a number line?
Earliest items (1993): e.g., M.R. James 'Two Ghost Stories: A Centenary,' 200 numbered copies in pictorial boards WITHOUT dust wrapper - format itself is a tell.
Is a book-club edition a Ash-Tree Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by Christopher and Barbara Roden (mid-1990s); specializes in resurrecting Victorian/Edwardian supernatural fiction.
What era does this cover?
This covers Ash-Tree Press (1993-c.2013). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.