The points of issue
Copyright page states 'First printing, 1972.' Dust jacket priced 5.95 at upper corner of front flap; unclipped on the true first. Collection of short stories.
Is this the true first?
True first is the 1972 FSG hardcover. UK edition followed from Jonathan Cape in 1974.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club issue; later FSG printings drop the 'First printing, 1972' line and add subsequent printing statements.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Sadness a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states 'First printing, 1972.' Dust jacket priced 5.95 at upper corner of front flap; unclipped on the true first. Collection of short stories.
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 1972 FSG hardcover. UK edition followed from Jonathan Cape in 1974.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club issue; later FSG printings drop the 'First printing, 1972' line and add subsequent printing statements.
I have a first edition of Sadness — 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.