The points of issue
First printing, The Vanguard Press, New York, 1933. Farrell's second novel. No later-printing statement on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
US first edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings are stated on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Gas-House McGinty a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing, The Vanguard Press, New York, 1933. Farrell's second novel. No later-printing statement on the copyright page.
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.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings are stated on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Gas-House McGinty — 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.