The points of issue
Castillo's first novel and winner of an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. Published by Bilingual Press/Editorial Bilingue, Binghamton, New York, 1986. The recognized first is the paperback original in wrappers (ISBN 0-916950-67-5); a clothbound issue under a companion ISBN (0-916950-68-9) was also recorded. Widely reprinted later by Doubleday in 1992 (ISBN 0-385-42013-7).
Is this the true first?
The Bilingual Press 1986 issue is the true first. The 1992 Doubleday edition is a later first-thus by a different publisher, not the first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition; the common Doubleday/Anchor 1992 reprint carries a different publisher and ISBN and is not the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Mixquiahuala Letters a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Castillo's first novel and winner of an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. Published by Bilingual Press/Editorial Bilingue, Binghamton, New York, 1986. The recognized first is the paperback original in wrappers (ISBN 0-916950-67-5); a clothbound issue under a companion ISBN (0-916950-68-9) was also recorded. Widely reprinted later by Doubleday in 1992 (ISBN 0-385-42013-7).
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 Bilingual Press 1986 issue is the true first. The 1992 Doubleday edition is a later first-thus by a different publisher, not the first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition; the common Doubleday/Anchor 1992 reprint carries a different publisher and ISBN and is not the first.
I have a first edition of The Mixquiahuala Letters — 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.