The points of issue
Issued simultaneously in two states by New Directions in 1973: a clothbound issue that is a signed, numbered limited edition of 350 copies (signed by Sorrentino at the colophon, cream boards with light-blue cloth spine, clear acetate jacket), and the first New Directions paperback in wrappers. The clothbound copies should carry the limitation/signature; an unsigned cloth copy would not be the limited issue.
Is this the true first?
True first is the 1973 New Directions publication. Both the limited signed clothbound issue and the simultaneous paperback are first printings; the clothbound is the limited issue of 350.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
None notable.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Splendide-Hôtel a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Issued simultaneously in two states by New Directions in 1973: a clothbound issue that is a signed, numbered limited edition of 350 copies (signed by Sorrentino at the colophon, cream boards with light-blue cloth spine, clear acetate jacket), and the first New Directions paperback in wrappers. The clothbound copies should carry the limitation/signature; an unsigned cloth copy would not be the limited issue.
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 1973 New Directions publication. Both the limited signed clothbound issue and the simultaneous paperback are first printings; the clothbound is the limited issue of 350.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
None notable.
I have a first edition of Splendide-Hôtel — 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.