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The Word

Field Guide · Jul 2026 · 5 min read

How to Read a First Pressing

Deep grooves, matrix numbers, ear marks. A collector’s guide to telling the grail from the reissue in ten seconds.

How to Read a First Pressing

Deep grooves, matrix numbers, ear marks. A collector’s guide to telling the grail from the reissue in ten seconds. The story below runs long — for now, the full essay is still being edited for print. Check back for the complete piece.

Editor's note — Novacanon's Journal is a design-only preview. Full editorial features and archive access are on the way.

How to Read a First Pressing — Novacanon