How to identify a first printing
- Trade first printings state 'First edition' (sometimes 'First Pyr edition') with a number line on the copyright page; the lowest number present indicates the printing.
- Pyr was itself an imprint of Prometheus Books — early titles carry the Prometheus Books indicia and Amherst, New York address; titles from late 2018 onward fall under Start Publishing, so the parent imprint/address on the copyright page dates the era.
Notable points & cautions
- Launched in March 2005 as the SF/fantasy imprint of Prometheus Books under editorial director Lou Anders (who led it through 2014); issued US first editions of authors including Joe Abercrombie and Ian McDonald.
- Sold by Prometheus Books to Start Publishing in November 2018; the parent name on the copyright page is the era tell.
- A trade publisher; the stated-edition / number-line method applies rather than any limitation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Pyr book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Trade first printings state 'First edition' (sometimes 'First Pyr edition') with a number line on the copyright page; the lowest number present indicates the printing. Pyr was itself an imprint of Prometheus Books — early titles carry the Prometheus Books indicia and Amherst, New York address; titles from late 2018 onward fall under Start Publishing, so the parent imprint/address on the copyright page dates the era.
Does Pyr use a number line?
Pyr was itself an imprint of Prometheus Books — early titles carry the Prometheus Books indicia and Amherst, New York address; titles from late 2018 onward fall under Start Publishing, so the parent imprint/address on the copyright page dates the era.
Is a book-club edition a Pyr first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Launched in March 2005 as the SF/fantasy imprint of Prometheus Books under editorial director Lou Anders (who led it through 2014); issued US first editions of authors including Joe Abercrombie and Ian McDonald.
What era does this cover?
This covers Pyr (2005–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.