How to identify a first printing
- Limited letterpress editions with a printed, hand-numbered colophon; signed by Barry Moser and frequently by the author/editor
- Original Moser wood engravings throughout; the engraved Pennyroyal device/colophon authenticates
- Deluxe vs. standard states distinguished by binding and extra signed print suites stated in the colophon
- No number line — colophon limitation statement is definitive
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by Barry Moser (West Hatfield, MA) in the 1970s; famous for the Pennyroyal 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' (1982) and 'Through the Looking-Glass'
- The Pennyroyal Caxton Bible (1999, with the University of California / Caxton) is the monumental project — a King James Bible illustrated by Moser, one of the great late-20th-c. American fine-press books
- Distinguish Pennyroyal Press proper from the later 'Pennyroyal Caxton' imprint used for the Bible
- Trade reprints of some Moser-illustrated titles exist (e.g., via UC Press/Godine) — not the limited letterpress first
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Barry Moser (proprietor/wood-engraver), Pennyroyal Caxton Press (the Caxton Bible collaboration). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Pennyroyal Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Limited letterpress editions with a printed, hand-numbered colophon; signed by Barry Moser and frequently by the author/editor Original Moser wood engravings throughout; the engraved Pennyroyal device/colophon authenticates
Does Pennyroyal Press use a number line?
Original Moser wood engravings throughout; the engraved Pennyroyal device/colophon authenticates
Is a book-club edition a Pennyroyal Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by Barry Moser (West Hatfield, MA) in the 1970s; famous for the Pennyroyal 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' (1982) and 'Through the Looking-Glass'
What era does this cover?
This covers Pennyroyal Press (c.1970s–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.