The points of issue
Olympia Press, Traveller's Companion Series No. 88, green wrappers. First printing carries the series number and original franc price on the rear wrapper.
Is this the true first?
Olympia Paris (1961) is the true world first. The US Grove edition (1966) and UK Calder edition are substantially REVISED texts — true 'first thus' rather than reprints, since Burroughs heavily reworked the cut-up material. The Olympia 1961 text differs markedly from later versions.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club. The major trap is that the Grove (1966) and Calder editions are revised, not identical reprints; the Olympia No. 88 1961 is the only true first of the original text.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Soft Machine a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Olympia Press, Traveller's Companion Series No. 88, green wrappers. First printing carries the series number and original franc price on the rear wrapper.
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. Olympia Paris (1961) is the true world first. The US Grove edition (1966) and UK Calder edition are substantially REVISED texts — true 'first thus' rather than reprints, since Burroughs heavily reworked the cut-up material. The Olympia 1961 text differs markedly from later versions.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club. The major trap is that the Grove (1966) and Calder editions are revised, not identical reprints; the Olympia No. 88 1961 is the only true first of the original text.
I have a first edition of The Soft Machine — 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.