How to identify a first printing
- Hand-press limited editions in the single proprietary 'Doves' type; austere typography with no illustration, occasional calligraphic initials by Edward Johnston (often hand-painted in red)
- Printed colophon with stated limitation; copies on paper plus a small number on VELLUM (distinct sub-state)
- The Doves bindery dove device / the press colophon authenticates; handmade paper
- No number line — colophon limitation and the Doves type identify
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1900 by T. J. Cobden-Sanderson and Emery Walker (Hammersmith); celebrated for the Doves Bible (1903–05) — a monument of pure typography
- Cobden-Sanderson famously threw the Doves type punches and matrices into the Thames (1916–17) to keep it from Walker — so the type was never reused; this story underlies the press's mystique
- Vellum copies and the Doves Bible are the apex; paper copies are the standard state
- Distinguish from later Doves-type revivals (digital facsimiles) — not the original press
Imprints
First editions also appear under: T. J. Cobden-Sanderson & Emery Walker (founders). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Doves Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Hand-press limited editions in the single proprietary 'Doves' type; austere typography with no illustration, occasional calligraphic initials by Edward Johnston (often hand-painted in red) Printed colophon with stated limitation; copies on paper plus a small number on VELLUM (distinct sub-state)
Does Doves Press use a number line?
Printed colophon with stated limitation; copies on paper plus a small number on VELLUM (distinct sub-state)
Is a book-club edition a Doves Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1900 by T. J. Cobden-Sanderson and Emery Walker (Hammersmith); celebrated for the Doves Bible (1903–05) — a monument of pure typography
What era does this cover?
This covers Doves Press (1900–1916). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.