How to identify a first printing
- Poetry-only small press: first printings show the publication-year copyright with no later-printing statement; many modern titles state 'first edition' and may carry a number line.
- Small runs mean most titles are single printings, so absence of reprint notes plus the original copyright year is the working rule.
- Award-shortlisted poetry titles can reprint; verify the printing statement or number line for prize-winner firsts.
Notable points & cautions
- Canada's oldest poetry-only press, founded 1975 in London, Ontario by poets Don McKay and Stan Dragland; it grew out of the magazine 'Brick / A Journal of Reviews.'
- Name disambiguation: the literary magazine 'Brick' (now Toronto-based, associated with the Michael Ondaatje circle) is a SEPARATE entity from Brick Books the poetry publisher; do not conflate.
- Multiple Governor General's Award winners and Griffin Poetry Prize nominees (with wins); prize-winner firsts are the most desirable points.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Brick Books. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Brick Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Poetry-only small press: first printings show the publication-year copyright with no later-printing statement; many modern titles state 'first edition' and may carry a number line. Small runs mean most titles are single printings, so absence of reprint notes plus the original copyright year is the working rule.
Does Brick Books use a number line?
Small runs mean most titles are single printings, so absence of reprint notes plus the original copyright year is the working rule.
Is a book-club edition a Brick Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Canada's oldest poetry-only press, founded 1975 in London, Ontario by poets Don McKay and Stan Dragland; it grew out of the magazine 'Brick / A Journal of Reviews.'
What era does this cover?
This covers Brick Books (1975-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.