The points of issue
First printing carries no later-printing statement on the copyright page. A collection of essays and papers; the full title on the title page is The League of Frightened Philistines and Other Papers, collation roughly xiv, 210 pages.
Is this the true first?
US first edition, published in New York by The Vanguard Press in 1945.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings are stated as such; the first has no later-printing notice.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The League of Frightened Philistines a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing carries no later-printing statement on the copyright page. A collection of essays and papers; the full title on the title page is The League of Frightened Philistines and Other Papers, collation roughly xiv, 210 pages.
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 first edition, published in New York by The Vanguard Press in 1945.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings are stated as such; the first has no later-printing notice.
I have a first edition of The League of Frightened Philistines — 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.