How to identify a first printing
- 1980s: Book collections and anthologies drawn from the journal (e.g., the 'Tales from Gray's' / 'Gray's Journal' selections) were issued in trade and signed/numbered limited states. The limited issue is identified by a numbered limitation/colophon page (commonly out of 2,000) and the author's or editor's signature; the trade issue is the standard hardcover.
- All eras: Where both a numbered limited and a trade hardcover exist, the signed/numbered limitation page identifies the senior state. Confirm a stated printing or the limitation page rather than assuming a number line, which these issues do not reliably carry.
Notable points & cautions
- Book-publishing activity of the prestige sporting periodical Gray's Sporting Journal, founded 1975 by Ed and Rebecca Gray; collections gathered the journal's literary hunting and fly-fishing writing.
- The magazine was acquired by Morris Communications in 1989 and later headquartered in Augusta, Georgia; the book-publishing program was a 1980s-era activity tied to the original Massachusetts operation.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Gray's Sporting Journal. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Gray's Sporting Journal Press / GSJ Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1980s: Book collections and anthologies drawn from the journal (e.g., the 'Tales from Gray's' / 'Gray's Journal' selections) were issued in trade and signed/numbered limited states. The limited issue is identified by a numbered limitation/colophon page (commonly out of 2,000) and the author's or editor's signature; the trade issue is the standard hardcover. All eras: Where both a numbered limited and a trade hardcover exist, the signed/numbered limitation page identifies the senior state. Confirm a stated printing or the limitation page rather than assuming a number line, which these issues do not reliably carry.
Does Gray's Sporting Journal Press / GSJ Press use a number line?
All eras: Where both a numbered limited and a trade hardcover exist, the signed/numbered limitation page identifies the senior state. Confirm a stated printing or the limitation page rather than assuming a number line, which these issues do not reliably carry.
Is a book-club edition a Gray's Sporting Journal Press / GSJ Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Book-publishing activity of the prestige sporting periodical Gray's Sporting Journal, founded 1975 by Ed and Rebecca Gray; collections gathered the journal's literary hunting and fly-fishing writing.
What era does this cover?
This covers Gray's Sporting Journal Press / GSJ Press (Mid-1970s-1980s (book/anthology issues)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.