The points of issue
World true first, in Spanish. Editorial Sudamericana, Buenos Aires, 1963 (published June 28, 1963), small octavo in original printed wrappers (rústica), 635 pages, with the famous Tablero de direccion (table of instructions) leaf and the alternate chapter-67 reading order. The first tirada precedes the many later Sudamericana printings. Genuinely scarce in unrestored original wrappers.
Is this the true first?
The 1963 Sudamericana edition is the true first of the work, preceding the 1966 English translation. Scarce in first printing.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Numerous later Sudamericana printings exist; only the 1963 first tirada is the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Rayuela (Hopscotch — Spanish first) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: World true first, in Spanish. Editorial Sudamericana, Buenos Aires, 1963 (published June 28, 1963), small octavo in original printed wrappers (rústica), 635 pages, with the famous Tablero de direccion (table of instructions) leaf and the alternate chapter-67 reading order. The first tirada precedes the many later Sudamericana printings. Genuinely scarce in unrestored original wrappers.
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 1963 Sudamericana edition is the true first of the work, preceding the 1966 English translation. Scarce in first printing.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Numerous later Sudamericana printings exist; only the 1963 first tirada is the true first.
I have a first edition of Rayuela (Hopscotch — Spanish first) — 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.