The points of issue
First published by Boni & Liveright, New York, 1928. A signed limited edition of 775 copies was also issued, a quarto bound in vellum on all-rag watermarked paper and printed in two colors, with the play's interior 'spoken thoughts' asides set in blue ink and the rest of the text in black; issued in a publisher's box. The trade first printing carries no later-printing statement on the copyright page; the play's experimental asides run through the text.
Is this the true first?
The US Boni & Liveright 1928 edition is the true first. The signed limited of 775 copies, with its limitation/signature leaf, is the premium collecting state and accompanies the trade issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The trade first printing is identified by the absence of a printing history; later printings are stated. The signed limited is distinguished by its limitation page and two-color printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Strange Interlude a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First published by Boni & Liveright, New York, 1928. A signed limited edition of 775 copies was also issued, a quarto bound in vellum on all-rag watermarked paper and printed in two colors, with the play's interior 'spoken thoughts' asides set in blue ink and the rest of the text in black; issued in a publisher's box. The trade first printing carries no later-printing statement on the copyright page; the play's experimental asides run through the text.
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 Boni & Liveright 1928 edition is the true first. The signed limited of 775 copies, with its limitation/signature leaf, is the premium collecting state and accompanies the trade issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The trade first printing is identified by the absence of a printing history; later printings are stated. The signed limited is distinguished by its limitation page and two-color printing.
I have a first edition of Strange Interlude — 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.