How to identify a first printing
- Montreal English-language literary press: modern titles state 'first edition' on the copyright page and may carry a descending number line, with '1' present indicating the first printing.
- The imprint matters for identification — Signal Editions (poetry) and Esplanade Books (fiction) are named on the title/copyright page; confirm the specific imprint when describing a first.
- Earlier titles from the Véhicule Art gallery / cooperative origins (1970s): rely on the original copyright year and the absence of any later-printing statement.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1973 in Montreal out of the Véhicule Art gallery cooperative by Guy Lavoie and Simon Dardick; from 1981 Nancy Marrelli and Simon Dardick continued as publishers as the co-op wound down. One of Quebec's most important English-language literary presses.
- Signal Editions is a distinguished poetry imprint (long edited by Michael Harris, later Carmine Starnino). Esplanade Books, the fiction imprint, was founded in 2003 (founding editor Andrew Steinmetz, later Dimitri Nasrallah) — both are collectible runs.
- Strong in Montreal/Quebec-anglophone literary history, in translations of Francophone literature, and in vintage Canadian noir reissues via the Ricochet Books series.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Véhicule Press, Signal Editions (poetry imprint), Esplanade Books / Esplanade Fiction (fiction imprint, founded 2003), Ricochet Books (vintage Canadian noir reissues), Dossier Quebec (history/nonfiction series). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Véhicule Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Montreal English-language literary press: modern titles state 'first edition' on the copyright page and may carry a descending number line, with '1' present indicating the first printing. The imprint matters for identification — Signal Editions (poetry) and Esplanade Books (fiction) are named on the title/copyright page; confirm the specific imprint when describing a first.
Does Véhicule Press use a number line?
The imprint matters for identification — Signal Editions (poetry) and Esplanade Books (fiction) are named on the title/copyright page; confirm the specific imprint when describing a first.
Is a book-club edition a Véhicule Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1973 in Montreal out of the Véhicule Art gallery cooperative by Guy Lavoie and Simon Dardick; from 1981 Nancy Marrelli and Simon Dardick continued as publishers as the co-op wound down. One of Quebec's most important English-language literary presses.
What era does this cover?
This covers Véhicule Press (1973-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.