How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page carries a British/Irish-style line, 'First published [year] by The Lilliput Press', with the Dublin address (62-63 Sitric Road, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7) on post-1989 titles.
- A first printing has no subsequent-impression or reprint notice; later printings add a 'Reprinted' or impression statement.
- No descending number line on standard trade titles; rely on the 'First published' year combined with the absence of any reprint history.
- Limited and fine editions (for example Joyce-related issues) are hand-numbered out of a stated edition size and may be signed — that numbering is the point of issue for those copies.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1984 by Antony Farrell, initially in County Westmeath; the press took its name from a local townland associated with Jonathan Swift, and moved to its present premises at Sitric Road, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, in 1989.
- One of Ireland's smallest and most prestigious houses; known for Irish literary fiction (including early Donal Ryan and Rob Doyle), history, biography, memoir and Joyce scholarship, producing both ordinary trade editions and deluxe numbered limited editions.
- As a small literary press it uses no formal number-line system; identification is copyright-page based.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my The Lilliput Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page carries a British/Irish-style line, 'First published [year] by The Lilliput Press', with the Dublin address (62-63 Sitric Road, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7) on post-1989 titles. A first printing has no subsequent-impression or reprint notice; later printings add a 'Reprinted' or impression statement.
Does The Lilliput Press use a number line?
A first printing has no subsequent-impression or reprint notice; later printings add a 'Reprinted' or impression statement.
Is a book-club edition a The Lilliput Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1984 by Antony Farrell, initially in County Westmeath; the press took its name from a local townland associated with Jonathan Swift, and moved to its present premises at Sitric Road, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, in 1989.
What era does this cover?
This covers The Lilliput Press (1984-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.