How to identify a first printing
- Modern convention: copyright page states 'First Edition' and/or carries a descending number line (lowest digit present = printing number).
- Series designation 'American Poets Continuum Series, No. NNN' appears on the copyright/series page and dates/places the title.
- First with no later-printing notice; later printings add a printing line or advance the number line.
- Early BOA letterpress chapbooks/broadsides and signed limiteds carry a rear colophon/limitation statement.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1976 by A. Poulin, Jr. in Brockport/Rochester, New York; nonprofit poetry and translation press.
- Published Lucille Clifton, Li-Young Lee, W.D. Snodgrass, Dorianne Laux; the American Poets Continuum Series is the flagship numbered line.
- Early titles were small-run and sometimes letterpress — verify printing statements individually for 1970s–80s items.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: American Poets Continuum Series, Lannan Translations Selection Series, BOA Short Fiction Prize, A. Poulin, Jr. New Poets of America Series. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my BOA Editions, Ltd. book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern convention: copyright page states 'First Edition' and/or carries a descending number line (lowest digit present = printing number). Series designation 'American Poets Continuum Series, No. NNN' appears on the copyright/series page and dates/places the title.
Does BOA Editions, Ltd. use a number line?
Series designation 'American Poets Continuum Series, No. NNN' appears on the copyright/series page and dates/places the title.
Is a book-club edition a BOA Editions, Ltd. first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1976 by A. Poulin, Jr. in Brockport/Rochester, New York; nonprofit poetry and translation press.
What era does this cover?
This covers BOA Editions, Ltd. (1976–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.