How to identify a first printing
- Number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing.
- Firsts frequently state 'First edition' with a year; later printings are noted explicitly on the copyright leaf.
- Most poetry titles are single-printing, so absence of any later-printing statement generally indicates a first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1975 by Michael Braziller and Karen Braziller, who still own and direct it; an independent literary house publishing poetry, fiction, translation, and rediscovered classics.
- Distinct from George Braziller, Inc. (a related but separate house founded by Michael's father George Braziller) — confirm the imprint name on the title leaf.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Lexi Rudnitsky First Book Prize in Poetry, Lexi Rudnitsky Editor's Choice Award, Karen & Michael Braziller Books. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Persea Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing. Firsts frequently state 'First edition' with a year; later printings are noted explicitly on the copyright leaf.
Does Persea Books use a number line?
Firsts frequently state 'First edition' with a year; later printings are noted explicitly on the copyright leaf.
Is a book-club edition a Persea Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1975 by Michael Braziller and Karen Braziller, who still own and direct it; an independent literary house publishing poetry, fiction, translation, and rediscovered classics.
What era does this cover?
This covers Persea Books (1975–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.