The points of issue
World true first edition, in the original Spanish, in printed wrappers (Colección Índice). The decisive first-printing point is the wrapper illustration: the first printing carries the blue galleon (sailing ship) floating over a jungle, designed in-house by Iris Pagano because Vicente Rojo's intended design was not ready in time. From the second printing onward the wrappers carry Vicente Rojo's design of small symbols set in nine blue frames. The colophon of the first printing records that printing was completed on the thirtieth of May 1967 ('treinta de mayo'). First print run was about 8,000 copies.
Is this the true first?
This is the true first edition of the work, preceding all translations and far scarcer than the English-language first. Three further Sudamericana printings followed in 1967 alone (commonly cited as June, September and December), so copies dated 1967 are routinely misdescribed as firsts; only the first printing with the Pagano galleon wrappers and the 30 May 1967 colophon is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Numerous later Sudamericana printings (second and subsequent tiradas) carry the Vicente Rojo frame design and are not the first. Regional and pirated editions also exist. Only the May 1967 first printing with the galleon wrapper is the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Cien años de soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude — Spanish first) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: World true first edition, in the original Spanish, in printed wrappers (Colección Índice). The decisive first-printing point is the wrapper illustration: the first printing carries the blue galleon (sailing ship) floating over a jungle, designed in-house by Iris Pagano because Vicente Rojo's intended design was not ready in time. From the second printing onward the wrappers carry Vicente Rojo's design of small symbols set in nine blue frames. The colophon of the first printing records that printing was completed on the thirtieth of May 1967 ('treinta de may
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. This is the true first edition of the work, preceding all translations and far scarcer than the English-language first. Three further Sudamericana printings followed in 1967 alone (commonly cited as June, September and December), so copies dated 1967 are routinely misdescribed as firsts; only the fi
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Numerous later Sudamericana printings (second and subsequent tiradas) carry the Vicente Rojo frame design and are not the first. Regional and pirated editions also exist. Only the May 1967 first printing with the galleon wrapper is the true first.
I have a first edition of Cien años de soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude — Spanish first) — 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.