The points of issue
The true first is the 1930 Harcourt, Brace issue, a signed limited edition of 600 numbered copies, containing six stories ('Maria Concepcion,' 'Magic,' 'Rope,' 'He,' 'The Jilting of Granny Weatherall,' and the title story). Gray paper-covered boards with brown cloth backstrip, gilt spine titling. Identify it by the limitation leaf stating one of 600 copies, signed by Porter. Porter's first book. Note the 1930 title was simply 'Flowering Judas'; 'and Other Stories' belongs to the enlarged edition.
Is this the true first?
The 1930 Harcourt limited (600 numbered copies, all signed) is the true first edition. The 1935 Harcourt enlarged edition adds four stories ('Theft,' 'That Tree,' 'The Cracked Looking-Glass,' 'Hacienda') for a ten-story collection titled 'Flowering Judas and Other Stories' and is first-thus, not the true first. A later Modern Library issue (1940) is a separate reprint.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The 1930 issue is a signed numbered limited with no book-club state. Do not confuse the more common 1935 enlarged Harcourt trade edition, or the still later Modern Library reprint, with the scarce 1930 limited first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Flowering Judas and Other Stories a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is the 1930 Harcourt, Brace issue, a signed limited edition of 600 numbered copies, containing six stories ('Maria Concepcion,' 'Magic,' 'Rope,' 'He,' 'The Jilting of Granny Weatherall,' and the title story). Gray paper-covered boards with brown cloth backstrip, gilt spine titling. Identify it by the limitation leaf stating one of 600 copies, signed by Porter. Porter's first book. Note the 1930 title was simply 'Flowering Judas'; 'and Other Stories' belongs to the enlarged edition.
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 1930 Harcourt limited (600 numbered copies, all signed) is the true first edition. The 1935 Harcourt enlarged edition adds four stories ('Theft,' 'That Tree,' 'The Cracked Looking-Glass,' 'Hacienda') for a ten-story collection titled 'Flowering Judas and Other Stories' and is first-thus, not the
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The 1930 issue is a signed numbered limited with no book-club state. Do not confuse the more common 1935 enlarged Harcourt trade edition, or the still later Modern Library reprint, with the scarce 1930 limited first.
I have a first edition of Flowering Judas 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.