The points of issue
First edition published by Simon & Schuster, New York, October 1971, with 'First printing' stated on the copyright page, green cloth boards with gilt lettering. The first issue has a green top-edge stain; a later state lacks the green topstain. The first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. Sixty-two stories; the only story collection published in Brautigan's lifetime.
Is this the true first?
True first is the 1971 Simon & Schuster hardcover with the stated first printing and the green-stained top edge. A simultaneous Touchstone trade paperback was also issued in 1971.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A distinct blind-stamped Simon & Schuster book club edition for this title is not confirmed in the sources consulted, so no specific book club point is asserted here.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Revenge of the Lawn: Stories 1962-1970 a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition published by Simon & Schuster, New York, October 1971, with 'First printing' stated on the copyright page, green cloth boards with gilt lettering. The first issue has a green top-edge stain; a later state lacks the green topstain. The first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. Sixty-two stories; the only story collection published in Brautigan's lifetime.
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. True first is the 1971 Simon & Schuster hardcover with the stated first printing and the green-stained top edge. A simultaneous Touchstone trade paperback was also issued in 1971.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A distinct blind-stamped Simon & Schuster book club edition for this title is not confirmed in the sources consulted, so no specific book club point is asserted here.
I have a first edition of Revenge of the Lawn: Stories 1962-1970 — 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.