How to identify a first printing
- c.2012/2013-c.2017: A reissue imprint reviving out-of-print Northwest and American titles, each hand-picked and introduced by a contemporary writer-curator. A Pharos reissue is identified by the curator's introduction and the Pharos imprint statement on the copyright page; where present, a descending number line indicates the printing of the Pharos issue.
- CRITICAL: these are reissues — the Pharos edition is NOT the true first edition of the underlying work. Collectors seeking a first want the original publisher's earlier first edition (a different publisher and earlier date); the Pharos edition is valued as a curated reprint. The original first will bear a different, earlier publisher and copyright year.
Notable points & cautions
- An imprint of Seattle's Dark Coast Press dedicated to bringing out-of-print, lost, or rare books back into print; titles are curated and introduced by respected writers (curators have included Jess Walter, Sherman Alexie, and David Guterson).
- In 2014 Pharos formed a joint venture with Counterpoint Press, which took over production, marketing, and sales/distribution.
- Concept is explicitly a reissue/reprint house — important for NOT mistaking a Pharos edition for a first. A short-lived imprint of the early-to-mid 2010s; published roughly two dozen titles in its first five years, which are themselves now becoming scarce.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Pharos Editions (imprint of Dark Coast Press; joint venture with Counterpoint Press from 2014). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Pharos Editions book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. c.2012/2013-c.2017: A reissue imprint reviving out-of-print Northwest and American titles, each hand-picked and introduced by a contemporary writer-curator. A Pharos reissue is identified by the curator's introduction and the Pharos imprint statement on the copyright page; where present, a descending number line indicates the printing of the Pharos issue. CRITICAL: these are reissues — the Pharos edition is NOT the true first edition of the underlying work. Collectors seeking a first want the original publisher's earlier first edition (a different publisher and earlier date); the Pharos edition is valued as a curated reprint. The original first will bear a different, earlier publisher and copyright year.
Does Pharos Editions use a number line?
CRITICAL: these are reissues — the Pharos edition is NOT the true first edition of the underlying work. Collectors seeking a first want the original publisher's earlier first edition (a different publisher and earlier date); the Pharos edition is valued as a curated reprint. The original first will bear a different, earlier publisher and copyright year.
Is a book-club edition a Pharos Editions first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. An imprint of Seattle's Dark Coast Press dedicated to bringing out-of-print, lost, or rare books back into print; titles are curated and introduced by respected writers (curators have included Jess Walter, Sherman Alexie, and David Guterson).
What era does this cover?
This covers Pharos Editions (c.2012-c.2017). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.