The points of issue
Random House New York, 1974, first printing. Quarter red cloth over red paper boards, gold spine lettering, red topstain; priced dust jacket. Random House of this period states First Edition on the copyright page with the number line retaining the lowest figure on the first printing.
Is this the true first?
True first is the 1974 Random House hardcover; novel continuing the Papa LaBas story from Mumbo Jumbo.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions are smaller, lack the priced jacket flap, and typically show a blind-stamp on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Last Days of Louisiana Red a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Random House New York, 1974, first printing. Quarter red cloth over red paper boards, gold spine lettering, red topstain; priced dust jacket. Random House of this period states First Edition on the copyright page with the number line retaining the lowest figure on the first printing.
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 1974 Random House hardcover; novel continuing the Papa LaBas story from Mumbo Jumbo.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club editions are smaller, lack the priced jacket flap, and typically show a blind-stamp on the rear board.
I have a first edition of The Last Days of Louisiana Red — 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.