How to identify a first printing
- Prairie literary press (poetry, fiction, YA): modern titles generally state 'first edition' on the copyright page and may carry a descending number line, with '1' present indicating the first printing.
- Older poetry titles: identify by the original copyright year and the absence of any later-printing or 'reprinted' statement; small runs were usually single printings.
- For any title that drew award attention, check the copyright page for reprint notices before assuming a first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1975 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, by poet Glen Sorestad and artist Neil Wagner; the early list was entirely poetry. Al Forrie and Patrick (Paddy) O'Rourke joined in 1980 and built the press into a national literary publisher, later adding fiction and young-adult work.
- Lower-profile house; its identification conventions are typical of a modern small literary press but are lightly documented in the standard first-edition collecting references.
- Known for publishing early or first works of many Canadian writers; the young-adult program is a notable strand for collectors of Canadian YA firsts.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Thistledown Press, New Leaf Editions (poetry series), Young-adult titles. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Thistledown Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Prairie literary press (poetry, fiction, YA): modern titles generally state 'first edition' on the copyright page and may carry a descending number line, with '1' present indicating the first printing. Older poetry titles: identify by the original copyright year and the absence of any later-printing or 'reprinted' statement; small runs were usually single printings.
Does Thistledown Press use a number line?
Older poetry titles: identify by the original copyright year and the absence of any later-printing or 'reprinted' statement; small runs were usually single printings.
Is a book-club edition a Thistledown Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1975 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, by poet Glen Sorestad and artist Neil Wagner; the early list was entirely poetry. Al Forrie and Patrick (Paddy) O'Rourke joined in 1980 and built the press into a national literary publisher, later adding fiction and young-adult work.
What era does this cover?
This covers Thistledown Press (1975-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.