The points of issue
Full number line descending to 1 on the copyright page; the first-state jacket (designed by Milton Glaser) carries its printed price on the front flap. Quarter black cloth over black boards with silver lettering and purple endpapers. National Book Award winner.
Is this the true first?
The US Houghton Mifflin edition is the true first; the UK Jonathan Cape edition follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition of note; later printings show a shortened number line not descending to 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Sabbath's Theater a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Full number line descending to 1 on the copyright page; the first-state jacket (designed by Milton Glaser) carries its printed price on the front flap. Quarter black cloth over black boards with silver lettering and purple endpapers. National Book Award winner.
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 US Houghton Mifflin edition is the true first; the UK Jonathan Cape edition follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition of note; later printings show a shortened number line not descending to 1.
I have a first edition of Sabbath's Theater — 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.