The points of issue
The true first is the Encino Press (Austin; publisher William D. Wittliff) printing of 1968, identified by the notorious misprint 'skycrapers' (for 'skyscrapers') on page 105, line 12. The book was badly copyedited and the bulk of the printing was destroyed once the errors were found, so surviving 'skycrapers' copies are the prized first. Identified by the Encino Press colophon together with the 'skycrapers' point.
Is this the true first?
The 1968 Encino Press printing is the true first; most of it was suppressed and reprinted over typographical errors, making the surviving 'skycrapers' first scarce. The 1971 Simon & Schuster trade edition is a 'first thus,' not the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The corrected reprint lacks the 'skycrapers' typo on p.105 line 12; the common later edition is the 1971 Simon & Schuster trade printing. The point of issue is the uncorrected 'skycrapers' reading.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of In a Narrow Grave: Essays on Texas a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is the Encino Press (Austin; publisher William D. Wittliff) printing of 1968, identified by the notorious misprint 'skycrapers' (for 'skyscrapers') on page 105, line 12. The book was badly copyedited and the bulk of the printing was destroyed once the errors were found, so surviving 'skycrapers' copies are the prized first. Identified by the Encino Press colophon together with the 'skycrapers' point.
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 1968 Encino Press printing is the true first; most of it was suppressed and reprinted over typographical errors, making the surviving 'skycrapers' first scarce. The 1971 Simon & Schuster trade edition is a 'first thus,' not the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The corrected reprint lacks the 'skycrapers' typo on p.105 line 12; the common later edition is the 1971 Simon & Schuster trade printing. The point of issue is the uncorrected 'skycrapers' reading.
I have a first edition of In a Narrow Grave: Essays on Texas — 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.