How to identify a first printing
- Number line on the copyright page; the lowest number present indicates the printing.
- Firsts typically state 'First Edition' with a year on the copyright page.
- Single-printing titles are common, so absence of a later-printing statement generally indicates a first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 1993 by four writers — Jane Brox, Helen Fremont, Dzvinia Orlowsky, and Martha Rhodes — as a nonprofit poetry and short-fiction press; its first list of titles appeared in 1995. Martha Rhodes is the director and founding editor.
- Prize-series labels (Levis Prize, Intro Prize) date and categorize titles but do not by themselves establish printing state.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Levis Prize in Poetry (Larry Levis), Intro Prize in Poetry. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Four Way Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Number line on the copyright page; the lowest number present indicates the printing. Firsts typically state 'First Edition' with a year on the copyright page.
Does Four Way Books use a number line?
Firsts typically state 'First Edition' with a year on the copyright page.
Is a book-club edition a Four Way Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 1993 by four writers — Jane Brox, Helen Fremont, Dzvinia Orlowsky, and Martha Rhodes — as a nonprofit poetry and short-fiction press; its first list of titles appeared in 1995. Martha Rhodes is the director and founding editor.
What era does this cover?
This covers Four Way Books (1993–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.