The points of issue
First edition, first printing: published by The Viking Press, New York, 1964. The true first is an UNSTATED first edition: the copyright page reads "First published in 1964" with NO printing statement and no later-printing notice (later printings ARE stated). The claim's "copyright-page first-printing statement" is incorrect and inverted — there is no stated first-printing line; identification is by the absence of a printing statement plus "First published in 1964." First-issue dust jacket has Saul Bellow's photograph on the rear panel and is priced the printed price on the front flap (later-issue jackets carry review blurbs); jacket designed by Mel Williamson. Blue cloth boards, silver spine lettering. Bound/printed as [viii], 341, [3] pp. The premium state is a fine first printing in a fine, unclipped first-issue (the printed price) jacket (and, if present, an authentic Bellow signature) — NOT a separate limited edition. National Book Award (1965) winner: correct. US Viking 1964 is the true first; UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson 1965 is later: correct.
Is this the true first?
US Viking is the true first; UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson (1965) is later. The signed limited is the premium state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club edition carries a blind-stamp and bulkier paper and lacks the first-printing copyright line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Herzog a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing: published by The Viking Press, New York, 1964. The true first is an UNSTATED first edition: the copyright page reads "First published in 1964" with NO printing statement and no later-printing notice (later printings ARE stated). The claim's "copyright-page first-printing statement" is incorrect and inverted — there is no stated first-printing line; identification is by the absence of a printing statement plus "First published in 1964." First-issue dust jacket has Saul Bellow's photograph on the rear panel and is priced the pri
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 Viking is the true first; UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson (1965) is later. The signed limited is the premium state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club edition carries a blind-stamp and bulkier paper and lacks the first-printing copyright line.
I have a first edition of Herzog — 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.