The points of issue
First edition, first printing. Published by Hill & Wang, New York, 1964. A book-length series of interviews conducted by H. E. F. Donohue; cloth binding with gilt spine lettering and pictorial dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
US first edition (Hill & Wang, New York, 1964). The interviewer of record is H. E. F. Donohue; the book is commonly catalogued under Algren as the subject and speaker.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings are stated on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Conversations with Nelson Algren a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing. Published by Hill & Wang, New York, 1964. A book-length series of interviews conducted by H. E. F. Donohue; cloth binding with gilt spine lettering and pictorial dust jacket.
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 edition (Hill & Wang, New York, 1964). The interviewer of record is H. E. F. Donohue; the book is commonly catalogued under Algren as the subject and speaker.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings are stated on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Conversations with Nelson Algren — 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.