How to identify a first printing
- First books published from 2010 onward: for the English-language first, look on the copyright page for a number line whose lowest figure is '1' (such as '1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2' or '9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'), following standard UK trade practice; the presence of '1' indicates a first printing.
- The copyright page also states 'First published in <year> by Peirene Press Ltd'. Titles are issued in themed, sequentially numbered series and, in the case of Peirene Now!, carry their own series numbers (for example Peirene Now! No. 1, 'breach') — these series numbers are catalogue markers, NOT printing or edition indicators.
- The uniform flapped-paperback design and any subscription or series packaging are house branding and do not affect first-printing identification.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 2008, Peirene published its first three novellas in 2010 and curates short European (and now broader international) fiction in translation, issued in themed series with sequential title numbers.
- The series numbering is frequently mistaken for an edition state but is not one; identification should rest on the copyright-page statement and number line, not the series number.
- Small print runs make some early titles scarce.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Peirene Press, Peirene Now! (commissioned series). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Peirene Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First books published from 2010 onward: for the English-language first, look on the copyright page for a number line whose lowest figure is '1' (such as '1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2' or '9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'), following standard UK trade practice; the presence of '1' indicates a first printing. The copyright page also states 'First published in <year> by Peirene Press Ltd'. Titles are issued in themed, sequentially numbered series and, in the case of Peirene Now!, carry their own series numbers (for example Peirene Now! No. 1, 'breach') — these series numbers are catalogue markers, NOT printing or edition indicators.
Does Peirene Press use a number line?
The copyright page also states 'First published in <year> by Peirene Press Ltd'. Titles are issued in themed, sequentially numbered series and, in the case of Peirene Now!, carry their own series numbers (for example Peirene Now! No. 1, 'breach') — these series numbers are catalogue markers, NOT printing or edition indicators.
Is a book-club edition a Peirene Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 2008, Peirene published its first three novellas in 2010 and curates short European (and now broader international) fiction in translation, issued in themed series with sequential title numbers.
What era does this cover?
This covers Peirene Press (2008–present (first books published 2010)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.