How to identify a first printing
- Every LEC title is a true limited edition with a printed colophon/limitation leaf (usually at the rear) stating the limitation number out of the edition (commonly 1,500 for the classic Macy era, later varying)
- The colophon is hand-numbered and bears the SIGNATURE of the illustrator/artist (and sometimes the author, translator, or designer); the autograph(s) on the colophon are the primary authentication
- The 'Monthly Letter' (newsletter describing the book's making) accompanied each volume on issue; presence is corroborating but not part of the book proper
- Slipcase typically present; first issue carries the original slipcase and the numbered/signed colophon
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1929 by George Macy; a subscription club issuing ~12 finely-made books per year, each a single limited printing — so there is rarely a 'second printing' to confuse, but later LEC management (after 1970, under Sidney Shiff from 1979) issued smaller, more lavish editions
- DO NOT confuse with Heritage Press: Heritage reprints the same titles in cheaper materials WITHOUT a numbered/signed limitation leaf — the absence of the signed colophon is the tell that a copy is Heritage, not LEC
- Famous signed colophons include Matisse's Ulysses (1935, signed by Matisse; only ~250 of 1,500 also signed by Joyce), Picasso's Lysistrata (1934)
- Condition of the signature and completeness (slipcase + Monthly Letter) drive value
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Heritage Press (reprint imprint), George Macy Companies (parent). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Limited Editions Club book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Every LEC title is a true limited edition with a printed colophon/limitation leaf (usually at the rear) stating the limitation number out of the edition (commonly 1,500 for the classic Macy era, later varying) The colophon is hand-numbered and bears the SIGNATURE of the illustrator/artist (and sometimes the author, translator, or designer); the autograph(s) on the colophon are the primary authentication
Does Limited Editions Club use a number line?
The colophon is hand-numbered and bears the SIGNATURE of the illustrator/artist (and sometimes the author, translator, or designer); the autograph(s) on the colophon are the primary authentication
Is a book-club edition a Limited Editions Club first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1929 by George Macy; a subscription club issuing ~12 finely-made books per year, each a single limited printing — so there is rarely a 'second printing' to confuse, but later LEC management (after 1970, under Sidney Shiff from 1979) issued smaller, more lavish editions
What era does this cover?
This covers Limited Editions Club (1929–present (classic Macy era 1929–1956; Shiff era 1979 onward)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.