The points of issue
First edition thus. Pantheon Books, New York, 1967, cloth in dust jacket (jacket design by Hoot von Zitzewitz), 277 pages, translated by Paul Blackburn. First published under the title 'End of the Game and Other Stories'; later reissues were retitled 'Blow-Up and Other Stories' to capitalize on Antonioni's 1966 film. The 1967 Pantheon 'End of the Game' issue is the priority English first; the 'Blow-Up' titling is later.
Is this the true first?
First-thus English selection, drawn from three earlier Spanish collections (Bestiario 1951, Final del juego 1956, Las armas secretas 1959). The 1967 Pantheon 'End of the Game' title is the priority issue; the 'Blow-Up' titling came after the Antonioni film's notoriety.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later paperback 'Blow-Up' reissues are not the 1967 Pantheon 'End of the Game' first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Blow-Up and Other Stories (orig. 'End of the Game and Other Stories') a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition thus. Pantheon Books, New York, 1967, cloth in dust jacket (jacket design by Hoot von Zitzewitz), 277 pages, translated by Paul Blackburn. First published under the title 'End of the Game and Other Stories'; later reissues were retitled 'Blow-Up and Other Stories' to capitalize on Antonioni's 1966 film. The 1967 Pantheon 'End of the Game' issue is the priority English first; the 'Blow-Up' titling is later.
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. First-thus English selection, drawn from three earlier Spanish collections (Bestiario 1951, Final del juego 1956, Las armas secretas 1959). The 1967 Pantheon 'End of the Game' title is the priority issue; the 'Blow-Up' titling came after the Antonioni film's notoriety.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later paperback 'Blow-Up' reissues are not the 1967 Pantheon 'End of the Game' first.
I have a first edition of Blow-Up and Other Stories (orig. 'End of the Game and Other Stories') — 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.