The points of issue
Putnam first printing with no later-printing line on the copyright page. First-state dust jacket has the spine title BRUNISTS set too wide, measuring about 1-5/8 inches tall; the second-state jacket reduced the font so the spine title measures about 1-3/8 inches. Coover's first novel; winner of the William Faulkner Foundation Award for best first novel.
Is this the true first?
The US Putnam edition is the true first; the UK edition (Barker, 1967) follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Putnam book-club copies show a Book Club Edition notice on the jacket flap and a blind-stamp or gutter code; the trade first carries the original priced jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Origin of the Brunists a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Putnam first printing with no later-printing line on the copyright page. First-state dust jacket has the spine title BRUNISTS set too wide, measuring about 1-5/8 inches tall; the second-state jacket reduced the font so the spine title measures about 1-3/8 inches. Coover's first novel; winner of the William Faulkner Foundation Award for best first novel.
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 Putnam edition is the true first; the UK edition (Barker, 1967) follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Putnam book-club copies show a Book Club Edition notice on the jacket flap and a blind-stamp or gutter code; the trade first carries the original priced jacket.
I have a first edition of The Origin of the Brunists — 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.