The points of issue
'First Edition' is stated on the copyright page ABOVE the publisher's number line; the first printing carries the full number line ending in 2 (Random House's convention of the 1970s-80s for a first printing), so the absence of a number line is NOT the point. Light yellow boards with a black cloth spine, gilt spine lettering, octavo, 471 pages. First-issue dust jacket designed by Jack Ribik with the printed price on the front flap and the code '2/79' on the rear flap. Many copies were remaindered with a red stamp to the textblock edge; unmarked copies are scarcer.
Is this the true first?
US Random House is the true first; the UK Chatto & Windus edition (1980) follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No major book-club edition; later Vintage printings lack the 'First Edition' line and the number line ending in 2.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Suttree a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'First Edition' is stated on the copyright page ABOVE the publisher's number line; the first printing carries the full number line ending in 2 (Random House's convention of the 1970s-80s for a first printing), so the absence of a number line is NOT the point. Light yellow boards with a black cloth spine, gilt spine lettering, octavo, 471 pages. First-issue dust jacket designed by Jack Ribik with the printed price on the front flap and the code '2/79' on the rear flap. Many copies were remaindered with a red stamp to the textblock edge; unmarked copies are s
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. US Random House is the true first; the UK Chatto & Windus edition (1980) follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No major book-club edition; later Vintage printings lack the 'First Edition' line and the number line ending in 2.
I have a first edition of Suttree — 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.