How to identify a first printing
- 1976-1984: a defined, finite run of 50 numbered chapbooks (Tuumba 1 through Tuumba 50), published between August 1976 and September 1984. Identification = the TUUMBA SERIES NUMBER plus the printer/limitation statement. The pamphlets are staple-bound.
- Tuumba 1-10 were printed by Willits Printing (a commercial shop); Tuumba 12-50 were printed hand letterpress by Lyn Hejinian herself — the printer attribution segments the run and is a key collation point.
- The letterpress numbers were issued in small editions (commonly cited around a few hundred copies), some with decorative letterpress covers. There is no number line — the series is single-edition, so a matching copy is the first.
- Because the press is a finite, well-documented 50-number series (digitized in the Eclipse archive), completeness and the Tuumba number anchor identification; reprints essentially do not exist.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded in 1976 by Lyn Hejinian; a foundational Language poetry imprint. The series ran from 'A Thought Is the Bride of What Thinking' (Aug 1976) to 'The Guard' (Sept 1984), both by Hejinian.
- Authors include Susan Howe, Ron Silliman, Bob Perelman, Charles Bernstein, Barrett Watten, Rae Armantrout, Larry Eigner, Kit Robinson, Michael Palmer, Alice Notley, Clark Coolidge, Kathleen Fraser, Bruce Andrews, and others.
- Stapling (rather than fine binding) was a deliberate accessibility choice, in keeping with Hejinian's wish that the books arrive 'in the mode of news.'
- The complete 50-number run is a recognized collecting target; the Eclipse archive digitizes the series.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Tuumba Press. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Tuumba Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1976-1984: a defined, finite run of 50 numbered chapbooks (Tuumba 1 through Tuumba 50), published between August 1976 and September 1984. Identification = the TUUMBA SERIES NUMBER plus the printer/limitation statement. The pamphlets are staple-bound. Tuumba 1-10 were printed by Willits Printing (a commercial shop); Tuumba 12-50 were printed hand letterpress by Lyn Hejinian herself — the printer attribution segments the run and is a key collation point.
Does Tuumba Press use a number line?
Tuumba 1-10 were printed by Willits Printing (a commercial shop); Tuumba 12-50 were printed hand letterpress by Lyn Hejinian herself — the printer attribution segments the run and is a key collation point.
Is a book-club edition a Tuumba Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 1976 by Lyn Hejinian; a foundational Language poetry imprint. The series ran from 'A Thought Is the Bride of What Thinking' (Aug 1976) to 'The Guard' (Sept 1984), both by Hejinian.
What era does this cover?
This covers Tuumba Press (1976-1984). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.