How to identify a first printing
- Modern small literary press: first printings generally state 'first edition' on the copyright page and frequently carry a number line ('1' present = first printing).
- Translation Series and essay titles follow the same copyright-page convention.
- Because print runs are small and reprints are frequent for prize winners, verify the absence of a later-printing statement and that the number line retains '1'.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by Dan Wells as a Windsor, Ontario bookstore in 1998; began publishing in 2004 (first titles were poetry collections by Salvatore Ala and Goran Simic). Among Canada's most acclaimed small presses.
- Frequent Giller Prize attention drives multiple printings; in 2015 two Biblioasis titles were Giller-shortlisted (Anakana Schofield's 'Martin John' and Samuel Archibald's 'Arvida'). Prize-winner and shortlist firsts must be confirmed by first-printing indicators, since post-award reprints are common.
- The Biblioasis International Translation Series is a distinct, collectible run of works in translation.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Biblioasis, Biblioasis International Translation Series, Untimely Meditations (essays), CanLit Classics. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Biblioasis book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern small literary press: first printings generally state 'first edition' on the copyright page and frequently carry a number line ('1' present = first printing). Translation Series and essay titles follow the same copyright-page convention.
Does Biblioasis use a number line?
Translation Series and essay titles follow the same copyright-page convention.
Is a book-club edition a Biblioasis first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by Dan Wells as a Windsor, Ontario bookstore in 1998; began publishing in 2004 (first titles were poetry collections by Salvatore Ala and Goran Simic). Among Canada's most acclaimed small presses.
What era does this cover?
This covers Biblioasis (2004-present (publishing; bookstore from 1998)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.