How to identify a first printing
- 1929–1939 (under Jack Kahane): a first edition is identified by an explicit first-printing statement on the copyright/verso page giving month and year — for example 'First published September 1934' on Tropic of Cancer. No number line is used.
- Titles were issued in printed paper wrappers/soft covers; later impressions add a reprint line or revised date. For Tropic of Cancer the original printed wrappers carrying the crab-and-woman cover design are a decisive first-issue point, because after seizures by British and American authorities the press reissued the book in plainer, less conspicuous wrappers.
- After Kahane's death in 1939 the operation passed briefly to his son Maurice Girodias; later printings carry revised dates and can be distinguished by paper stock and added impression statements.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by Jack Kahane in 1929, Obelisk published Henry Miller (Tropic of Cancer 1934, Black Spring, Tropic of Capricorn), Anaïs Nin, Lawrence Durrell, Cyril Connolly and Frank Harris.
- The Tropic of Cancer first edition was a run of about 1,000 copies stating 'First published September 1934' in original printed wrappers; the month-and-year statement together with the original wrappers is the decisive tell.
- Maurice Girodias, Kahane's son, went on to found Olympia Press, the house's spiritual successor, so the two firms' lineage matters for attribution.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Obelisk Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Obelisk Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1929–1939 (under Jack Kahane): a first edition is identified by an explicit first-printing statement on the copyright/verso page giving month and year — for example 'First published September 1934' on Tropic of Cancer. No number line is used. Titles were issued in printed paper wrappers/soft covers; later impressions add a reprint line or revised date. For Tropic of Cancer the original printed wrappers carrying the crab-and-woman cover design are a decisive first-issue point, because after seizures by British and American authorities the press reissued the book in plainer, less conspicuous wrappers.
Does Obelisk Press use a number line?
Titles were issued in printed paper wrappers/soft covers; later impressions add a reprint line or revised date. For Tropic of Cancer the original printed wrappers carrying the crab-and-woman cover design are a decisive first-issue point, because after seizures by British and American authorities the press reissued the book in plainer, less conspicuous wrappers.
Is a book-club edition a Obelisk Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by Jack Kahane in 1929, Obelisk published Henry Miller (Tropic of Cancer 1934, Black Spring, Tropic of Capricorn), Anaïs Nin, Lawrence Durrell, Cyril Connolly and Frank Harris.
What era does this cover?
This covers Obelisk Press (1929–1939). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.