How to identify a first printing
- 1927–1952: expatriate fine press. Each title issued once in a stated LIMITED edition; identify by the COLOPHON/limitation page giving the total number of copies (often with subsets on different papers — Japan vellum, Holland, etc.) and the individual copy number.
- The earliest imprint (1927 into 1928) reads 'Éditions Narcisse'; the name changed to 'Black Sun Press' in 1928 — the imprint name on the title page/colophon dates the issue.
- Paper-state subsets (deluxe vellum/Japan copies vs ordinary numbered copies) are distinguished in the limitation statement and are the key variant.
- Published early/first appearances of major modernists (Crane, Lawrence, MacLeish, Hemingway, Joyce, Jolas) — for these the Black Sun issue can be a true first edition of the text; confirm via the limitation and the standard Crosby/Black Sun bibliographies.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by Harry and Caresse Crosby in April 1927 as Éditions Narcisse (named for their whippet), renamed Black Sun Press in 1928.
- Often a genuine first printing of important modernist texts — high collectibility; the longest-lived of the 1920s Paris expatriate presses.
- Paper-state subsets (vellum/Japan vs ordinary numbered copies) drive desirability.
- Colophon limitation governs identification; there is no number line.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Black Sun Press (Harry & Caresse Crosby), formerly Éditions Narcisse (1927–1928). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Black Sun Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1927–1952: expatriate fine press. Each title issued once in a stated LIMITED edition; identify by the COLOPHON/limitation page giving the total number of copies (often with subsets on different papers — Japan vellum, Holland, etc.) and the individual copy number. The earliest imprint (1927 into 1928) reads 'Éditions Narcisse'; the name changed to 'Black Sun Press' in 1928 — the imprint name on the title page/colophon dates the issue.
Does Black Sun Press use a number line?
The earliest imprint (1927 into 1928) reads 'Éditions Narcisse'; the name changed to 'Black Sun Press' in 1928 — the imprint name on the title page/colophon dates the issue.
Is a book-club edition a Black Sun Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by Harry and Caresse Crosby in April 1927 as Éditions Narcisse (named for their whippet), renamed Black Sun Press in 1928.
What era does this cover?
This covers Black Sun Press (1927–c.1952 (Paris operation ran to 1936; firm officially continued to Caresse Crosby's death in 1970)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.