The points of issue
"First Edition" stated on the copyright page (no number line on this era of Random House firsts). First-issue dust jacket carries the 7.95 price and a 4/70 printing code on the rear flap; binding is gilt-stamped olive cloth, jacket designed by John Kashiwabara. Published April 1970.
Is this the true first?
US Random House first edition is the true first. The UK edition (Bodley Head) follows. A separate signed, numbered limited edition of 300 copies was issued in a slipcase with a plain acetate jacket.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club issues are typically printed on thinner stock, lack the priced first-state jacket, and may omit or alter the copyright-page issue points; verify against the priced 4/70 jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Losing Battles a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: "First Edition" stated on the copyright page (no number line on this era of Random House firsts). First-issue dust jacket carries the 7.95 price and a 4/70 printing code on the rear flap; binding is gilt-stamped olive cloth, jacket designed by John Kashiwabara. Published April 1970.
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 Random House first edition is the true first. The UK edition (Bodley Head) follows. A separate signed, numbered limited edition of 300 copies was issued in a slipcase with a plain acetate jacket.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club issues are typically printed on thinner stock, lack the priced first-state jacket, and may omit or alter the copyright-page issue points; verify against the priced 4/70 jacket.
I have a first edition of Losing Battles — 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.