The points of issue
True first: André Deutsch, London, 1973. The US edition, Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, New York, 1973, states First American Edition 1973 on the copyright page, wording that house reserved for books first published abroad. Straub's first novel, following his poetry collections.
Is this the true first?
The André Deutsch London edition is the true first; the record's attribution to Cape was wrong. The US Coward, McCann & Geoghegan edition is explicitly marked First American Edition, confirming prior UK publication.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Club tells: no printed jacket price and cheaper binding; a genuine US first carries the First American Edition statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Marriages a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first: André Deutsch, London, 1973. The US edition, Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, New York, 1973, states First American Edition 1973 on the copyright page, wording that house reserved for books first published abroad. Straub's first novel, following his poetry collections.
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 André Deutsch London edition is the true first; the record's attribution to Cape was wrong. The US Coward, McCann & Geoghegan edition is explicitly marked First American Edition, confirming prior UK publication.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Club tells: no printed jacket price and cheaper binding; a genuine US first carries the First American Edition statement.
I have a first edition of Marriages — 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.