How to identify a first printing
- 1971-present: a first/only edition is identified by the COLOPHON limitation statement; the press of John and Rosalind (Rose) Randle. The colophon records the limitation, the types (handset, letterpress; all work is printed letterpress), the paper (often handmade and named), and the date; the copy number is hand-inscribed. There is no number line or 'First Edition' slug to look for.
- Editions are frequently issued in more than one state: an ordinary numbered edition alongside a smaller special or de luxe state (extra plates or specimens, a finer binding such as quarter or full leather, sometimes an accompanying suite or portfolio). The binding and the colophon identify the state; confirm against the Whittington prospectus.
- Matrix (annual, from 1981): each numbered issue is a first. Because issue numbers track the year (Matrix 11 is 1991, and so on), most issues date easily. Some copies were issued in a special state with extra inserts or printed specimens; check the limitation leaf at the rear.
Notable points & cautions
- One of the foremost British private presses of the late 20th century; handset, letterpress composition is a hallmark, and the press has issued well over 200 books.
- Matrix is among the most important modern journals on type and the private press and is collected in its own right.
- Numbered versus special/de luxe states matter for identification; verify the state against the binding and colophon.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Matrix (the press's annual journal of typography and the private press, from 1981). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my The Whittington Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1971-present: a first/only edition is identified by the COLOPHON limitation statement; the press of John and Rosalind (Rose) Randle. The colophon records the limitation, the types (handset, letterpress; all work is printed letterpress), the paper (often handmade and named), and the date; the copy number is hand-inscribed. There is no number line or 'First Edition' slug to look for. Editions are frequently issued in more than one state: an ordinary numbered edition alongside a smaller special or de luxe state (extra plates or specimens, a finer binding such as quarter or full leather, sometimes an accompanying suite or portfolio). The binding and the colophon identify the state; confirm against the Whittington prospectus.
Does The Whittington Press use a number line?
Editions are frequently issued in more than one state: an ordinary numbered edition alongside a smaller special or de luxe state (extra plates or specimens, a finer binding such as quarter or full leather, sometimes an accompanying suite or portfolio). The binding and the colophon identify the state; confirm against the Whittington prospectus.
Is a book-club edition a The Whittington Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. One of the foremost British private presses of the late 20th century; handset, letterpress composition is a hallmark, and the press has issued well over 200 books.
What era does this cover?
This covers The Whittington Press (1971-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.