The points of issue
World true first. Issued 1944 as Ficciones (1935–1944) by Editorial Sur, Buenos Aires, in printed wrappers, comprising 'El jardín de senderos que se bifurcan' plus 'Artificios'. The 1956 Emecé edition added three stories to Artificios ('El fin', 'El Sur', and 'La secta del Fénix') and is a second, expanded state, not the true first.
Is this the true first?
The 1944 Sur edition precedes all others; the commonly seen 1956 Emecé is expanded by three stories. Collectors distinguish the two carefully.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The 1956 Emecé and later Emecé printings are expanded reissues, not the 1944 Sur first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Ficciones (Spanish first) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: World true first. Issued 1944 as Ficciones (1935–1944) by Editorial Sur, Buenos Aires, in printed wrappers, comprising 'El jardín de senderos que se bifurcan' plus 'Artificios'. The 1956 Emecé edition added three stories to Artificios ('El fin', 'El Sur', and 'La secta del Fénix') and is a second, expanded state, not the true first.
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. The 1944 Sur edition precedes all others; the commonly seen 1956 Emecé is expanded by three stories. Collectors distinguish the two carefully.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The 1956 Emecé and later Emecé printings are expanded reissues, not the 1944 Sur first.
I have a first edition of Ficciones (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.