How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page reads 'First published [year] by New Island Books' (Dublin); a first printing has no later-impression notice.
- No formal number line; the standard British-Irish 'First published' convention applies, confirmed by the absence of any reprint line.
- Predecessor Raven Arts Press titles (pre-1992) carry the Raven Arts imprint and date — a distinct collectible house, not New Island — so attribute the true first publisher by imprint and date.
Notable points & cautions
- New Island grew out of Raven Arts Press, which Dermot Bolger founded as a teenager (Raven Arts ran from the late 1970s to 1992); New Island was formed in 1992 by Bolger with Edwin Higel.
- Publishes Irish fiction, drama (including play texts) and poetry.
- Identify Raven Arts versus New Island by imprint and date to attribute the true first house.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Raven Arts Press (predecessor), New Island (current). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my New Island Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page reads 'First published [year] by New Island Books' (Dublin); a first printing has no later-impression notice. No formal number line; the standard British-Irish 'First published' convention applies, confirmed by the absence of any reprint line.
Does New Island Books use a number line?
No formal number line; the standard British-Irish 'First published' convention applies, confirmed by the absence of any reprint line.
Is a book-club edition a New Island Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. New Island grew out of Raven Arts Press, which Dermot Bolger founded as a teenager (Raven Arts ran from the late 1970s to 1992); New Island was formed in 1992 by Bolger with Edwin Higel.
What era does this cover?
This covers New Island Books (1992-present (Raven Arts 1977-1992)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.