How to Identify a Bitter Lemon Press First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• UK convention: first printings carry a descending number line '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' on the imprint page, with 'First published in [year] by Bitter Lemon Press' stated; the lowest digit present is the printing.
• Translated titles state the original title, translator and original-language publication date — the Bitter Lemon line marks the first English-language edition, which is the relevant point for this house.
• Issued chiefly in B-format trade paperback (some hardcover); a full number line with no later-printing notation marks the first English-language edition.

Notable points & cautions

• Small independent founded 2003 by Swiss brothers François and Frédéric (Fred) von Hürter with Laurence Colchester; specializes in translated literary crime/noir (Carofiglio, Glauser, Padura).
• Almost all titles are first English-language editions of works already published abroad — collectors value them as the first appearance in English, not as world firsts.
• Print runs are small; the copyright-page number line is the practical identification tool, as no dedicated published first-edition guide exists for this house.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Bitter Lemon Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Bitter Lemon Press book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. UK convention: first printings carry a descending number line '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' on the imprint page, with 'First published in [year] by Bitter Lemon Press' stated; the lowest digit present is the printing. Translated titles state the original title, translator and original-language publication date — the Bitter Lemon line marks the first English-language edition, which is the relevant point for this house.

Does Bitter Lemon Press use a number line?

Translated titles state the original title, translator and original-language publication date — the Bitter Lemon line marks the first English-language edition, which is the relevant point for this house.

Is a book-club edition a Bitter Lemon Press first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Small independent founded 2003 by Swiss brothers François and Frédéric (Fred) von Hürter with Laurence Colchester; specializes in translated literary crime/noir (Carofiglio, Glauser, Padura).

What era does this cover?

This covers Bitter Lemon Press (2003–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.