How to identify a first printing
- 1976-c.1999: predominantly chapbooks and pamphlets in stapled wrappers; first printings are identified by the Necronomicon Press imprint and, often, a stated limitation or print figure.
- The inaugural 1976 publications (Lovecraft's early Pawtuxet Valley Gleaner / United Amateur writings) were limited to 500 numbered copies - the numbered colophon identifies them.
- Later printings of popular chapbooks were common and frequently noted ('second printing', revised text, new cover stock); compare the printing statement, cover art, and price to separate a first impression from later ones.
- Journals (Lovecraft Studies from 1979, Studies in Weird Fiction): identify by volume/issue number rather than an edition statement.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1976 by Marc A. Michaud in West Warwick, RI, initially to reprint Lovecraft's obscure writings.
- Co-founded Lovecraft Studies (1979) with S.T. Joshi; a cornerstone of modern Lovecraft scholarship; later expanded to Howard, Clark Ashton Smith, Campbell, Lumley and others.
- Wound down around the turn of the millennium; many scholarly projects migrated to Hippocampus Press. The fragile wrappers-format firsts are easily damaged and hard to grade.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Necronomicon Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1976-c.1999: predominantly chapbooks and pamphlets in stapled wrappers; first printings are identified by the Necronomicon Press imprint and, often, a stated limitation or print figure. The inaugural 1976 publications (Lovecraft's early Pawtuxet Valley Gleaner / United Amateur writings) were limited to 500 numbered copies - the numbered colophon identifies them.
Does Necronomicon Press use a number line?
The inaugural 1976 publications (Lovecraft's early Pawtuxet Valley Gleaner / United Amateur writings) were limited to 500 numbered copies - the numbered colophon identifies them.
Is a book-club edition a Necronomicon Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1976 by Marc A. Michaud in West Warwick, RI, initially to reprint Lovecraft's obscure writings.
What era does this cover?
This covers Necronomicon Press (1976-c.2002). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.