How to identify a first printing
- 2001-present: a first printing is shown by a descending number line on the copyright page with 1 lowest, alongside 'First published <year> by Hesperus Press Limited'.
- For the Hesperus Classics and Modern Voices series, which reissue earlier or public-domain works, the collectible 'first' is the first Hesperus edition of that text, not the date the work was originally written. The newly commissioned introduction or translation is the original content that the Hesperus first carries.
- The uniform small-format flapped-paperback series design is house branding and does not by itself indicate a first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Specialised in short, lesser-known works by major authors under the motto 'Et remotissima prope', meaning to bring the far near.
- The common confusion is between the original work's date of composition and the Hesperus first-edition date; identification keys on the Hesperus imprint statement and number line.
- Series have included Hesperus Classics, Modern Voices, Nova, Minor, Brief Lives and Poetic Lives.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Hesperus Press, Hesperus Classics, Hesperus Modern Voices, Hesperus Nova, Hesperus Minor. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Hesperus Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 2001-present: a first printing is shown by a descending number line on the copyright page with 1 lowest, alongside 'First published <year> by Hesperus Press Limited'. For the Hesperus Classics and Modern Voices series, which reissue earlier or public-domain works, the collectible 'first' is the first Hesperus edition of that text, not the date the work was originally written. The newly commissioned introduction or translation is the original content that the Hesperus first carries.
Does Hesperus Press use a number line?
For the Hesperus Classics and Modern Voices series, which reissue earlier or public-domain works, the collectible 'first' is the first Hesperus edition of that text, not the date the work was originally written. The newly commissioned introduction or translation is the original content that the Hesperus first carries.
Is a book-club edition a Hesperus Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Specialised in short, lesser-known works by major authors under the motto 'Et remotissima prope', meaning to bring the far near.
What era does this cover?
This covers Hesperus Press (2001-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.