How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page reads 'First published [year] by Ravan Press (Pty) Ltd' (Johannesburg); the first printing carries the first-published year with no reprint notice.
- No number line — South African / British 'First published' convention; later printings add 'Reprinted [year]'.
- A Staffrider Series number on a title (e.g. 'Staffrider Series, No. 19') dates it to the late-1970s/1980s oppositional-writing period.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1972 by Peter Randall, Beyers Naudé and Danie van Zyl (the name 'Ravan' derives from the three founders); a radical donor-funded oppositional house publishing black South African writers.
- Was the first to publish J.M. Coetzee and supported Black Consciousness-era and Staffrider writers; won the 1984 Noma Award for Ndebele's 'Fools and Other Stories'.
- Many titles were banned or harassed under apartheid; first editions of banned works are scarce and significant.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Ravan Press, Staffrider (magazine and book series). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Ravan Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page reads 'First published [year] by Ravan Press (Pty) Ltd' (Johannesburg); the first printing carries the first-published year with no reprint notice. No number line — South African / British 'First published' convention; later printings add 'Reprinted [year]'.
Does Ravan Press use a number line?
No number line — South African / British 'First published' convention; later printings add 'Reprinted [year]'.
Is a book-club edition a Ravan Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1972 by Peter Randall, Beyers Naudé and Danie van Zyl (the name 'Ravan' derives from the three founders); a radical donor-funded oppositional house publishing black South African writers.
What era does this cover?
This covers Ravan Press (1972-1990s). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.