How to identify a first printing
- 1973 to 1979 (as Lester & Orpen): founded 1973 by Malcolm Lester and Eve Orpen (Orpen died 1978). Identify by the 'Lester & Orpen' imprint on the title page; a first printing is shown by a dated copyright page with no later-impression notice or by a 'First edition' statement.
- 1979 to 1991 (as Lester & Orpen Dennys, after Louise Dennys joined and the firm was renamed in 1979): first editions typically carry a number line (lowest number indicating the printing) and/or a 'First published' statement; absence of reprint notices on a dated copyright page indicates a first. Verify the exact imprint wording to place a title within the firm's life.
- 1988 to 1991: ownership passed to Pagurian Corp. (August 1988) then Hees International (December 1988), with Lester and Dennys continuing as publishers until Hees suspended operations in 1991. Louise Dennys later moved to Knopf Canada / Random House of Canada.
Notable points & cautions
- A distinguished independent literary house (1973-1991) known for international literary fiction and high production quality; its International Fiction List brought major world authors to Canadian readers.
- Published Canadian editions of Graham Greene, John Irving, Don DeLillo, Italo Calvino, Martin Amis, Ian McEwan, and Kazuo Ishiguro, alongside Canadian writers such as Joy Kogawa and P. K. Page; collected for its literary list and elegant design.
- The imprint-name change from Lester & Orpen to Lester & Orpen Dennys in 1979 helps date a book to a sub-period.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Lester & Orpen Dennys, Lester & Orpen (earlier form, 1973-1979). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Lester & Orpen Dennys book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1973 to 1979 (as Lester & Orpen): founded 1973 by Malcolm Lester and Eve Orpen (Orpen died 1978). Identify by the 'Lester & Orpen' imprint on the title page; a first printing is shown by a dated copyright page with no later-impression notice or by a 'First edition' statement. 1979 to 1991 (as Lester & Orpen Dennys, after Louise Dennys joined and the firm was renamed in 1979): first editions typically carry a number line (lowest number indicating the printing) and/or a 'First published' statement; absence of reprint notices on a dated copyright page indicates a first. Verify the exact imprint wording to place a title within the firm's life.
Does Lester & Orpen Dennys use a number line?
1979 to 1991 (as Lester & Orpen Dennys, after Louise Dennys joined and the firm was renamed in 1979): first editions typically carry a number line (lowest number indicating the printing) and/or a 'First published' statement; absence of reprint notices on a dated copyright page indicates a first. Verify the exact imprint wording to place a title within the firm's life.
Is a book-club edition a Lester & Orpen Dennys first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. A distinguished independent literary house (1973-1991) known for international literary fiction and high production quality; its International Fiction List brought major world authors to Canadian readers.
What era does this cover?
This covers Lester & Orpen Dennys (1973-1991). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.