Pynchon 1st Editions

[R ed Bug]

The "Viking hardback" you own sounds like a later reprint, done in the
late 80s-early90s. The original printing in 1973 has no "countdown." Also,
because the paperback and hardback were published simultaneously in 1973,
the paperback first ed. has some collectibility, usually in fine condition
around $40-$50.

Tim Ware
HyperArts
www.hyperarts.com

On Sat, 23 Aug 1997, the Robot Vegetable wrote:

> On Sat, 23 Aug 1997, R ed Bug wrote:
> 
> > There were, I believe, six printings of the hardcover edition of GR. The
> > editions are identical except for the number of the printing indicated.
> > The first edition doesn't say "first edition"; there's just no printing
> > number, e.g. "second printing."
> 
> 	My Viking hardback is, I believe, a second printing. I
> am abysmally ignorant inthese matters, but the countdown on the
> copyright page runs:
> 
> 	10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
> 
> which I "believe" to mean the 2nd printing.  It also notes
> "First Published in 1973 by The Viking Press"
> 
> The fellow I bought it from (for $15. marked down from $25) is
> fairly astute and mercenary, leading me to believe it is not very
> valubale.  Can anyone tell me otherwise?
> 
> > On Sat, 23 Aug 1997 Alanballow at aol.com wrote:
> > > <<   They also had a 1st of the Viking Compass GR paperback for $50, but no 
> > >       hc GR.
> > >       >>
> > >    Wasn't that the ONLY 1st of GR?  I bought one new and don't recall a
> > > hardback GR.
> 
> 	Hmm,  I will have to go back to the bookstore I visited
> yesterday in a town not too far from here.  There waswhat is undoubtably
> a copy of the the 1st printing Viking Compass paperback, in good but
> not great condition, selling for $12.
> 
> 	veg
> 
>