How to identify a first printing
- Herb Yellin's press specializing in signed limited editions: the colophon states numbered and lettered states, and every copy is signed by the author so the signature is intrinsic, not added later.
- Typical structure: a signed numbered edition (often a few hundred copies) plus a smaller signed lettered edition in a finer binding/slipcase.
- Identify by the colophon limitation and author signature; these are first and only printings, so there are no later-printing states to disambiguate.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1977 by Herb Yellin (1935-2014); issued signed limited firsts and keepsakes by Updike, Stephen King, Bradbury, Eudora Welty, Joyce Carol Oates, and others.
- Lettered copies are the premium state; verify the letter designation and finer binding against the colophon.
- Yellin typically retained the earliest numbered/lettered copy for himself, often numbered 15 or named rather than numbered.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Lord John Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Herb Yellin's press specializing in signed limited editions: the colophon states numbered and lettered states, and every copy is signed by the author so the signature is intrinsic, not added later. Typical structure: a signed numbered edition (often a few hundred copies) plus a smaller signed lettered edition in a finer binding/slipcase.
Does Lord John Press use a number line?
Typical structure: a signed numbered edition (often a few hundred copies) plus a smaller signed lettered edition in a finer binding/slipcase.
Is a book-club edition a Lord John Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1977 by Herb Yellin (1935-2014); issued signed limited firsts and keepsakes by Updike, Stephen King, Bradbury, Eudora Welty, Joyce Carol Oates, and others.
What era does this cover?
This covers Lord John Press (1977-2000s). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.