1st edition GR

[grip at netcom.com]

On Sat, 22 Feb 1997, Ed Thompson wrote:

> 
> ---In 1989 Dalkey Archives published _Thomas Pynchon: A Bibliography of
> Primary and Secondary Materials_ by Clifford Mead. Although dated, this
> book is still, as far as I know, the most complete source for printing
> history information concerning pre-Vineland Pynchon. Regarding the early
> publishing history of GR, Mead lists the hardcover with the following
> information: 
> 
> New York: Viking, 1973. 760 pp. Later printings so stated. 
> Note: this first edition was preceded by two states of proofs: (1) pages
> sewn and glued into endapers but not bound up, intended for major reviewers
> and readers for book clubs; (2) uncorrected proofs in blue wrappers.
> [My note: since no mention is made of various "states" in the first
> printing, any copy of the first trade edition that does NOT indicate a
> later printing is a "true" first]

hmmmm. I have a hardcover edition with "AUTHOR OF VINELAND" at the bottom 
of the dust jacket. It's a Viking publication. No mention is made of a 
later printing, but since it lists Vineland as also by the author, it 
surely came out since Vineland. It's like new. Never been read.

My reading copy is "A Viking Compass Book" with no price. I've had it for 
about 15 years.  Almost time for a new one. I wore out a second hand 
paper back with the picture of a woman with her legs spread and a rocket 
between them. (My memory of this is faint, but it's close.) Must have 
been a British edition. We all know how salacious those Brits are. < Do I 
need a :-) here? > 

My son picked up a set of the Dune saga. One of the books was autographed 
by someone named Frank Herbert. "Dave, May you have lots of `spice' in your 
life." He didn't notice it until he had finished reading it. Don't know 
if it's authentic.

grip