How to identify a first printing
- Small letterpress limited editions with hand-numbered, often-signed colophons; original Robinson wood engravings/etchings (natural-history/animal subjects — the press name is the sea-turtle family)
- Deluxe states typically add an extra suite of signed prints and a special binding, stated in the colophon at a lower number range
- Signed by Alan James Robinson and collaborating writers; no number line — colophon is definitive
Notable points & cautions
- Founded c.1979 by Alan James Robinson (Easthampton, MA); known for finely illustrated natural-history and literary titles (e.g., works on Poe's 'The Raven', Aesop, bestiaries)
- Wood-engraved animal imagery is the house hallmark
- Very limited output; deluxe vs. standard distinction is the main state question
- Often confused only with other Pioneer Valley (MA) presses (Gehenna, Pennyroyal) due to shared engraving milieu
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Alan James Robinson (founder/artist). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Cheloniidae Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Small letterpress limited editions with hand-numbered, often-signed colophons; original Robinson wood engravings/etchings (natural-history/animal subjects — the press name is the sea-turtle family) Deluxe states typically add an extra suite of signed prints and a special binding, stated in the colophon at a lower number range
Does Cheloniidae Press use a number line?
Deluxe states typically add an extra suite of signed prints and a special binding, stated in the colophon at a lower number range
Is a book-club edition a Cheloniidae Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded c.1979 by Alan James Robinson (Easthampton, MA); known for finely illustrated natural-history and literary titles (e.g., works on Poe's 'The Raven', Aesop, bestiaries)
What era does this cover?
This covers Cheloniidae Press (c.1979–1990s). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.