How to identify a first printing
- 2000-present: a first/only edition is identified by the COLOPHON limitation statement; the private letterpress and binding studio of Rollin Milroy, with most books printed on a handpress. Editions are very small, usually no more than 50 copies (often 25-50, occasionally as few as 20). The colophon records the limitation, the types (handset), the paper, the binding, and the date; the copy number is hand-inscribed.
- Many titles were offered in a standard state plus a smaller deluxe or special binding state (Milroy works with binders on variant editions); the binding and colophon distinguish them.
- Identify by the Heavenly Monkey imprint; the press also issues its own bibliographic checklists documenting the output (for example the 'HM = X' first-decade checklist and the 2022 'This Monkey's Gone to Heaven' checklist).
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by Rollin Milroy; the press is also a fine bindery, and most books are printed on a handpress, so production is deliberately slow and editions tiny.
- Tiny editions (often 50 or fewer) make every copy scarce; the binding state is a key identification axis.
- All books are limited firsts; there are no trade printings.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Heavenly Monkey Editions (HM Editions) — a parallel but separate imprint. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Heavenly Monkey book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 2000-present: a first/only edition is identified by the COLOPHON limitation statement; the private letterpress and binding studio of Rollin Milroy, with most books printed on a handpress. Editions are very small, usually no more than 50 copies (often 25-50, occasionally as few as 20). The colophon records the limitation, the types (handset), the paper, the binding, and the date; the copy number is hand-inscribed. Many titles were offered in a standard state plus a smaller deluxe or special binding state (Milroy works with binders on variant editions); the binding and colophon distinguish them.
Does Heavenly Monkey use a number line?
Many titles were offered in a standard state plus a smaller deluxe or special binding state (Milroy works with binders on variant editions); the binding and colophon distinguish them.
Is a book-club edition a Heavenly Monkey first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by Rollin Milroy; the press is also a fine bindery, and most books are printed on a handpress, so production is deliberately slow and editions tiny.
What era does this cover?
This covers Heavenly Monkey (2000-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.