How to Identify a Black Sparrow Press First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• TITLE-PAGE COLOR is the master point: a first printing has a title page printed in two or more colors; ALL later printings have a title page in black only. This is the single most reliable Black Sparrow first-edition tell.
• Copyright page of a first lists no additional printings.
• Multi-tier issue structure per title: (1) lettered signed/limited (e.g., 26 lettered A–Z) often with original holograph or artwork, (2) numbered signed limited (e.g., 250–300 copies) on better paper with a limitation/colophon leaf at the rear, (3) trade hardcover (cloth/boards), (4) trade paperback wrappers — all four can be 'firsts' of the first printing; tier is identified by the limitation statement.
• Limitation/colophon leaf at the BACK states the print run and signing; signed-limited copies are numbered and signed there.
• Deluxe/limited bindings done by Earle Gray Book Binding Company (most BSP deluxe books 1968–2002).

Notable points & cautions

• Founded 1966 by John Martin in Los Angeles; defining publisher of Charles Bukowski (Post Office 1971, Women 1978), plus Paul Bowles, John Fante, Wyndham Lewis, Diane Wakoski, Robert Kelly.
• Distinctive Barbara Martin cover design (bold typographic wrappers) is a house signature but is NOT itself a printing point.
• Common confusion: a black-only title page on a Bukowski title that 'looks first' is actually a later printing — always check title-page color.
• After the press closed (2002), Black Sparrow name/backlist split: David R. Godine continues 'Black Sparrow Books'; HarperCollins/Ecco acquired the Bukowski list — later corporate reissues are not BSP firsts.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Black Sparrow Books (later David R. Godine continuation), Sun Dog Press (associated). Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Black Sparrow Press book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. TITLE-PAGE COLOR is the master point: a first printing has a title page printed in two or more colors; ALL later printings have a title page in black only. This is the single most reliable Black Sparrow first-edition tell. Copyright page of a first lists no additional printings.

Does Black Sparrow Press use a number line?

Copyright page of a first lists no additional printings.

Is a book-club edition a Black Sparrow Press first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1966 by John Martin in Los Angeles; defining publisher of Charles Bukowski (Post Office 1971, Women 1978), plus Paul Bowles, John Fante, Wyndham Lewis, Diane Wakoski, Robert Kelly.

What era does this cover?

This covers Black Sparrow Press (1966–2002 (original press)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.