How to identify a first printing
- Use the imprint name on the title/copyright page to date the book to the correct ownership era, then apply that era's number-line rule.
- Late 1970s-1981 (Nick Lyons Books era, including subsidiary period and co-branding with Winchester Press): Firsts typically state 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' on the copyright page; some titles use a descending number line ('1' present = first). Imprint reads 'Nick Lyons Books' (sometimes co-branded with Winchester Press).
- 1981-1997 (Lyons & Burford): Standard trade practice — a 'First Edition' statement and/or a full descending number line (e.g., 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1); lowest digit present indicates the printing. Imprint reads 'Lyons & Burford, Publishers'.
- 1997-2001 (The Lyons Press, after Peter Burford's departure): Descending number line is the rule; '1' present = first printing; 'First Edition' may also be stated.
- 2001-present (Lyons Press under Globe Pequot Press, later within Rowman & Littlefield): Globe Pequot house style — descending number line where the lowest surviving number gives the printing, sometimes paired with a year line. Imprint reads 'Lyons Press' or 'Lyons Press, an imprint of Globe Pequot'.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by Nick Lyons; began in fly-fishing and expanded into natural history, adventure, outdoor sport, history, and true crime.
- Nick Lyons partnered with Peter Burford in 1981, and the house became Lyons & Burford, Publishers; in 1984 Lyons bought out the subsidiary rights and Nick Lyons Books, Inc. became an independent company.
- Peter Burford left in 1997 and the firm was renamed The Lyons Press; Tony Lyons became president that year and roughly tripled the company before its sale.
- Acquired by Globe Pequot Press (Guilford, CT) in 2001; Globe Pequot later sat under Rowman & Littlefield — modern Lyons Press firsts follow Globe Pequot number-line conventions. The shifting imprint name (Nick Lyons Books -> Lyons & Burford -> The Lyons Press -> Lyons Press) remains the most reliable dating tell.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Nick Lyons Books, Lyons & Burford, Publishers, The Lyons Press, Lyons Press (Globe Pequot / Rowman & Littlefield imprint). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Lyons Press (Nick Lyons Books / Lyons & Burford) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Use the imprint name on the title/copyright page to date the book to the correct ownership era, then apply that era's number-line rule. Late 1970s-1981 (Nick Lyons Books era, including subsidiary period and co-branding with Winchester Press): Firsts typically state 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' on the copyright page; some titles use a descending number line ('1' present = first). Imprint reads 'Nick Lyons Books' (sometimes co-branded with Winchester Press).
Does Lyons Press (Nick Lyons Books / Lyons & Burford) use a number line?
Late 1970s-1981 (Nick Lyons Books era, including subsidiary period and co-branding with Winchester Press): Firsts typically state 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' on the copyright page; some titles use a descending number line ('1' present = first). Imprint reads 'Nick Lyons Books' (sometimes co-branded with Winchester Press).
Is a book-club edition a Lyons Press (Nick Lyons Books / Lyons & Burford) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by Nick Lyons; began in fly-fishing and expanded into natural history, adventure, outdoor sport, history, and true crime.
What era does this cover?
This covers Lyons Press (Nick Lyons Books / Lyons & Burford) (late 1970s-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.