How to identify a first printing
- 1967-2003: First/only edition by the COLOPHON; Windhover was the University of Iowa fine press directed by Kim (K.K.) Merker. The colophon states the limitation (editions commonly run a few hundred copies), the type, the paper, and the date; books are hand-set and hand-printed.
- 1967-1980s: colophon-driven; many titles set in metal type and printed on fine or dampened handmade paper named in the colophon.
- Distinguish from Merker's personal STONE WALL PRESS and from his collaborative work with Harry Duncan's Cummington Press; Windhover is specifically the University of Iowa imprint. Merker even segregated copy-number ranges (roughly 1-199 for Stone Wall, 200-399 for Windhover).
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by K.K. (Kim) Merker, a central figure in the American private-press revival and the University of Iowa book-arts program; Windhover was among the first fine presses sited within a university.
- All Windhover books are limited single printings, so the colophon is the only identification needed.
- Distinct from Merker's Stone Wall Press, which was his personal imprint and predates Windhover.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Windhover Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1967-2003: First/only edition by the COLOPHON; Windhover was the University of Iowa fine press directed by Kim (K.K.) Merker. The colophon states the limitation (editions commonly run a few hundred copies), the type, the paper, and the date; books are hand-set and hand-printed. 1967-1980s: colophon-driven; many titles set in metal type and printed on fine or dampened handmade paper named in the colophon.
Does Windhover Press use a number line?
1967-1980s: colophon-driven; many titles set in metal type and printed on fine or dampened handmade paper named in the colophon.
Is a book-club edition a Windhover Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by K.K. (Kim) Merker, a central figure in the American private-press revival and the University of Iowa book-arts program; Windhover was among the first fine presses sited within a university.
What era does this cover?
This covers Windhover Press (1967-2003). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.