The points of issue
First printing of the short-story collection. Published 13 April 1959 by Simon & Schuster, New York, preceding the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 26 June 1959. Contents differ: the US edition contains nine stories; the UK edition adds a tenth, A Tithe for Charity.
Is this the true first?
US Simon & Schuster (13 April 1959) is the true first; UK Herbert Jenkins followed 26 June 1959.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Contents differ between US and UK editions, so both are textually distinct.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Few Quick Ones a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the short-story collection. Published 13 April 1959 by Simon & Schuster, New York, preceding the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 26 June 1959. Contents differ: the US edition contains nine stories; the UK edition adds a tenth, A Tithe for Charity.
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. US Simon & Schuster (13 April 1959) is the true first; UK Herbert Jenkins followed 26 June 1959.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Contents differ between US and UK editions, so both are textually distinct.
I have a first edition of A Few Quick Ones — 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.