How to identify a first printing
- Hand-press letterpress limited editions printed at Gregynog Hall, Wales; printed colophon with stated limitation (usually small)
- A subset of each edition bound in elaborate SPECIAL bindings by the Gregynog bindery (George Fisher) — these specially-bound copies are a distinct, far more valuable sub-state, identified in the colophon and by the binding
- Original wood engravings (Blair Hughes-Stanton, Agnes Miller Parker, etc.); press device authenticates
- No number line — colophon limitation plus binding state (ordinary vs. special binding) identify
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1923 (active to 1940) by the Davies sisters; revived 1974 as 'Gwasg Gregynog' — distinguish original press from the modern Welsh-language revival
- Renowned for its special bindings — the small number of specially-bound copies (often a dozen or fewer per title) are the prizes; the ordinary cloth/quarter-leather copies are the standard state
- Wood-engraved work by Hughes-Stanton and Agnes Miller Parker is a hallmark
- Standard reference: Dorothy A. Harrop, 'A History of the Gregynog Press'
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Gwendoline & Margaret Davies (founders), Gwasg Gregynog (the revived press, 1974–present). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Gregynog Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Hand-press letterpress limited editions printed at Gregynog Hall, Wales; printed colophon with stated limitation (usually small) A subset of each edition bound in elaborate SPECIAL bindings by the Gregynog bindery (George Fisher) — these specially-bound copies are a distinct, far more valuable sub-state, identified in the colophon and by the binding
Does Gregynog Press use a number line?
A subset of each edition bound in elaborate SPECIAL bindings by the Gregynog bindery (George Fisher) — these specially-bound copies are a distinct, far more valuable sub-state, identified in the colophon and by the binding
Is a book-club edition a Gregynog Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1923 (active to 1940) by the Davies sisters; revived 1974 as 'Gwasg Gregynog' — distinguish original press from the modern Welsh-language revival
What era does this cover?
This covers Gregynog Press (1923–1940 (original); 1974–present (revived)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.