The points of issue
First printing of this collection of twenty-six stories, O'Hara's return to short fiction, with 'First Printing' stated on the copyright page and no later-printing slug.
Is this the true first?
US first (Random House, New York, 1961); UK Cresset Press 1962.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings add a printing statement to the copyright page; the first printing carries none.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Assembly a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of this collection of twenty-six stories, O'Hara's return to short fiction, with 'First Printing' stated on the copyright page and no later-printing slug.
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 first (Random House, New York, 1961); UK Cresset Press 1962.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings add a printing statement to the copyright page; the first printing carries none.
I have a first edition of Assembly — 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.