How to identify a first printing
- 1927-1942 (original Connett era): Nearly every title was a numbered, limited edition, so the first edition is the limited issue. Identify it from the limitation/colophon leaf stating the total number of copies (commonly runs such as 750, 1050, or 1250) and the individual hand-numbered copy number; many copies are signed by the author and/or Eugene V. Connett III on the colophon or limitation leaf.
- 1927-1942: There is no printed 'First Edition' statement and no number line — Derrydale almost never reprinted, so the stated limitation IS the first-edition proof. An intact numbered colophon plus the absence of any later-printing notice indicates a first.
- 1927-1942: Deluxe/large-paper sub-issues are separately numbered in a smaller run (for example 'no. 14 of 75 large-paper copies') and constitute the senior state; ordinary trade-limitation copies are the junior state of the same edition. Match the run size against the published bibliography to place the state.
- 1927-1942: The Diana-the-Huntress colophon device is the house signature; presentation copies are out-of-series and hand-inscribed.
- 1971-present (revival under Nick Lyons / Lyons Press and later owners): Modern reissues carry standard trade copyright pages with 'First Edition'/'First Printing' statements or number lines and are NOT the collectible 1927-1942 firsts, even when they reuse the Diana colophon.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded and run by Eugene V. Connett III; the premier American sporting fine-press house, publishing 169 titles (about 30 privately printed) between 1927 and 1942 before wartime conditions closed it.
- Because runs were tiny and reprints essentially nonexistent, condition and an intact numbered/signed colophon drive identification more than any printed 'first' statement.
- The name and Diana colophon were revived by later owners (notably under Nick Lyons / Lyons Press), so collectors must distinguish original Connett-era books from revival reissues.
- High points include signed angling and sporting volumes and Connett's own titles.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: The Windward House (Connett's trade imprint), The Quail Press (associated/sub-issue). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my The Derrydale Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1927-1942 (original Connett era): Nearly every title was a numbered, limited edition, so the first edition is the limited issue. Identify it from the limitation/colophon leaf stating the total number of copies (commonly runs such as 750, 1050, or 1250) and the individual hand-numbered copy number; many copies are signed by the author and/or Eugene V. Connett III on the colophon or limitation leaf. 1927-1942: There is no printed 'First Edition' statement and no number line — Derrydale almost never reprinted, so the stated limitation IS the first-edition proof. An intact numbered colophon plus the absence of any later-printing notice indicates a first.
Does The Derrydale Press use a number line?
1927-1942: There is no printed 'First Edition' statement and no number line — Derrydale almost never reprinted, so the stated limitation IS the first-edition proof. An intact numbered colophon plus the absence of any later-printing notice indicates a first.
Is a book-club edition a The Derrydale Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded and run by Eugene V. Connett III; the premier American sporting fine-press house, publishing 169 titles (about 30 privately printed) between 1927 and 1942 before wartime conditions closed it.
What era does this cover?
This covers The Derrydale Press (1927-1942 (original); revived 1971-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.