How to identify a first printing
- 1979-1999 (independent, Asheville NC; founded by Rob Pulleyn with Kate Matthews): Craft and how-to publisher (jewelry, beading, ceramics, fiber, glass). First printing is identified by the earliest copyright year; number lines are variable on early titles, so identify a first by the absence of any later-printing notation.
- 1999-2010 (Sterling Publishing ownership): Sterling acquired Lark in 1999. First printing is then identified by a full descending number line such as '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' per Sterling house style, with the lowest digit giving the printing (the presence of a 1 indicates a first printing). The juried '500' anthologies (500 Teapots, 500 Necklaces, etc.) are signature titles of this era.
- 2010-c.2017 (Sterling under Barnes & Noble ownership, then sold): Sterling/Lark moved with Sterling into Barnes & Noble (2003) and out again when Sterling was sold (2017); the number-line convention continues. The Lark Crafts brand was later wound down, and recent reissues may carry different distributor imprints.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1979 in Asheville, NC, by Rob Pulleyn (with Kate Matthews); sold to Sterling Publishing in 1999; followed Sterling into Barnes & Noble ownership (2003) and out again (2017).
- Famous for the juried '500' series, which began with 500 Teapots in 2002 (500 Bracelets, 500 Pendants, and many others followed), plus the Lark Jewelry & Beading line.
- Follows Sterling's number-line house style once under Sterling: a line reaching 1 indicates a first printing.
- Lark Crafts brand activity diminished after the late-2010s Sterling sale.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Lark Books, Lark Crafts, Lark Jewelry & Beading. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Lark Books / Lark Crafts book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1979-1999 (independent, Asheville NC; founded by Rob Pulleyn with Kate Matthews): Craft and how-to publisher (jewelry, beading, ceramics, fiber, glass). First printing is identified by the earliest copyright year; number lines are variable on early titles, so identify a first by the absence of any later-printing notation. 1999-2010 (Sterling Publishing ownership): Sterling acquired Lark in 1999. First printing is then identified by a full descending number line such as '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' per Sterling house style, with the lowest digit giving the printing (the presence of a 1 indicates a first printing). The juried '500' anthologies (500 Teapots, 500 Necklaces, etc.) are signature titles of this era.
Does Lark Books / Lark Crafts use a number line?
1999-2010 (Sterling Publishing ownership): Sterling acquired Lark in 1999. First printing is then identified by a full descending number line such as '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' per Sterling house style, with the lowest digit giving the printing (the presence of a 1 indicates a first printing). The juried '500' anthologies (500 Teapots, 500 Necklaces, etc.) are signature titles of this era.
Is a book-club edition a Lark Books / Lark Crafts first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1979 in Asheville, NC, by Rob Pulleyn (with Kate Matthews); sold to Sterling Publishing in 1999; followed Sterling into Barnes & Noble ownership (2003) and out again (2017).
What era does this cover?
This covers Lark Books / Lark Crafts (1979-present (independent 1979–1999; under Sterling from 1999; brand activity diminished after ~2017)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.