How to identify a first printing
- Hand-press limited editions on Irish handmade paper, printed with Caslon type; printed colophon giving a small stated limitation (often a few hundred)
- The Cuala (or earlier Dun Emer) device/colophon and the 'Press' statement identify the issue and era — Dun Emer (1902–08) vs. Cuala (1908 on)
- First Yeats editions: many W. B. Yeats first appearances were issued by Cuala in small limitations — identify by the colophon and the dated Cuala imprint
- No number line — colophon limitation and the Dun Emer/Cuala imprint distinguish
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1902 as the Dun Emer Press by Elizabeth Yeats (part of the Arts and Crafts / Celtic Revival); renamed Cuala Press 1908; central to the Irish Literary Revival
- Many genuine FIRST EDITIONS of W. B. Yeats, Synge, Lady Gregory, and others — unlike most fine presses, Cuala issued original first appearances, so these ARE collectible firsts
- Dun Emer (1902–08) vs. Cuala (1908+) is the key dating distinction
- Also issued hand-coloured prints and broadsides; the press was family-run (Yeats sisters)
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Dun Emer Press (1902–1908, the original name), Cuala Press (from 1908), run by Elizabeth Corbet 'Lolly' Yeats; editorial by W. B. Yeats. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Cuala Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Hand-press limited editions on Irish handmade paper, printed with Caslon type; printed colophon giving a small stated limitation (often a few hundred) The Cuala (or earlier Dun Emer) device/colophon and the 'Press' statement identify the issue and era — Dun Emer (1902–08) vs. Cuala (1908 on)
Does Cuala Press use a number line?
The Cuala (or earlier Dun Emer) device/colophon and the 'Press' statement identify the issue and era — Dun Emer (1902–08) vs. Cuala (1908 on)
Is a book-club edition a Cuala Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1902 as the Dun Emer Press by Elizabeth Yeats (part of the Arts and Crafts / Celtic Revival); renamed Cuala Press 1908; central to the Irish Literary Revival
What era does this cover?
This covers Cuala Press (1902–1946 (Dun Emer 1902–08; Cuala 1908–46, later revivals)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.