The points of issue
Harper & Row, 1968 - subtitled 'A Fictional Memoir' and centered on football fandom; the author's first book. The first printing has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page; the Harper code '1-S' (copyright page) with '0968' on the jacket flap indicates September 1968. First-state jacket carries the printed price on the front flap.
Is this the true first?
The US Harper & Row first is the true first; a cult high spot of American sports literature.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book-club issue exists; it lacks the priced jacket and may carry a blind stamp to the board. Verify the stated 'First Edition' with the '1-S'/'0968' codes and the priced jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Fan's Notes a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Harper & Row, 1968 - subtitled 'A Fictional Memoir' and centered on football fandom; the author's first book. The first printing has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page; the Harper code '1-S' (copyright page) with '0968' on the jacket flap indicates September 1968. First-state jacket carries the printed price on the front flap.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. The US Harper & Row first is the true first; a cult high spot of American sports literature.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book-club issue exists; it lacks the priced jacket and may carry a blind stamp to the board. Verify the stated 'First Edition' with the '1-S'/'0968' codes and the priced jacket.
I have a first edition of A Fan's Notes — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.