The points of issue
First US edition, cloth (and a simultaneous wrappered issue). First printing identified by 'First Edition' stated with the number line on the copyright page (Random House convention: 'First Edition' plus '9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2'). First-issue dust jacket priced the printed price, illustrated by Ralph Steadman.
Is this the true first?
Random House US (1971) is the true first. The clothbound first in the Steadman jacket is the prime collectible; a simultaneous paperback was also issued. Verify the Random House 'First Edition' statement and the number line.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Not a major book-club title but distinguish first printing via the Random House 'First Edition' line; the price-present Steadman jacket is required. Later printings drop the lowest numbers from the line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First US edition, cloth (and a simultaneous wrappered issue). First printing identified by 'First Edition' stated with the number line on the copyright page (Random House convention: 'First Edition' plus '9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2'). First-issue dust jacket priced the printed price, illustrated by Ralph Steadman.
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. Random House US (1971) is the true first. The clothbound first in the Steadman jacket is the prime collectible; a simultaneous paperback was also issued. Verify the Random House 'First Edition' statement and the number line.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Not a major book-club title but distinguish first printing via the Random House 'First Edition' line; the price-present Steadman jacket is required. Later printings drop the lowest numbers from the line.
I have a first edition of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas — 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.