First editions

[Tim Ware]

Regarding TRP 1st eds, Slow Learner in fine shape goes for around $40-$60.
A books value depends on the size of the print run and the demand for the
book (duh!). 

It's not always, or even usually, the case that a foreign edition is worth
more. The more valuable first edition is usually the one which is the
"true" first, i.e., was published first. Thus, English firsts of TRP's
novels are not worth as much as American firsts. But English firsts of,
say, Rushdie's novels are worth quite a bit more than the American firsts
because they were first published in England.

RedBug

On Wed, 7 May 1997, Peter Giordano wrote:

> Somebody said:
> >Does anyone have thoughts on the rarity or value of TRP first editions?  I
> >ask only because I came across (and snapped up) a first edition "Slow
> >Learner" yesterday.  What is it with this Pynchon-- he has to take over my
> >life?
> 
> 1) In order to be worth anything at all it would have to be in
> perfect or near perfect condition (no writing in the margins
> or on the boards) - And, perhaps most important, it must
> have a dust jacket
> 
> 2) I would bet that SLOW LEARNER had a large printing - I'd
> go on to say that a lot of people on this list have one - I wouldn't venture
> a guess as to worth but I also would be surprised if it were
> worth more than $10 - Of course, it's worth whatever you
> can get somebody to pay
> 
> 3) A foreign edition would be worth more
> 
> 4) Editions of the earlier works would be worth more
> 
> 5) A signed edition would be worth quite a bit wouldn't it?
> 
> Peter Giordano
> Williams College
> Williamstown, MA
> 
> 
>