The points of issue
McCarthy's second novel. 'First Printing' is stated on the copyright page (not 'First Edition'), with no mention of further printings; the first edition had a single printing of about 5,000 copies. Cloth binding with the printed price unclipped on the dust jacket. Scarce in jacket.
Is this the true first?
US Random House is the true first; the UK Andre Deutsch edition (1970) follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No prominent book-club edition; reprints omit the 'First Printing' statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Outer Dark a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: McCarthy's second novel. 'First Printing' is stated on the copyright page (not 'First Edition'), with no mention of further printings; the first edition had a single printing of about 5,000 copies. Cloth binding with the printed price unclipped on the dust jacket. Scarce in jacket.
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 is the true first; the UK Andre Deutsch edition (1970) follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No prominent book-club edition; reprints omit the 'First Printing' statement.
I have a first edition of Outer Dark — 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.