The points of issue
Editorial Justa Publications imprint (Berkeley), 1979; ISBN 0-915808-34-X. Issued in original wrappers and in a scarce hardcover (blue cloth boards, gilt spine, 197 pages, dust jacket illustrated by Nancy Young); no later-printing statement. Third novel of Anaya's early New Mexico trilogy.
Is this the true first?
The US Editorial Justa edition of 1979 is the true first; later UNM Press and Warner reissues are 'first thus.' The hardcover is notably scarce; Anaya himself was reportedly unaware it had appeared in hardcover.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Distinguished from reissues by the Editorial Justa imprint; common copies are the later trade reissues with different imprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tortuga a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Editorial Justa Publications imprint (Berkeley), 1979; ISBN 0-915808-34-X. Issued in original wrappers and in a scarce hardcover (blue cloth boards, gilt spine, 197 pages, dust jacket illustrated by Nancy Young); no later-printing statement. Third novel of Anaya's early New Mexico trilogy.
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 Editorial Justa edition of 1979 is the true first; later UNM Press and Warner reissues are 'first thus.' The hardcover is notably scarce; Anaya himself was reportedly unaware it had appeared in hardcover.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Distinguished from reissues by the Editorial Justa imprint; common copies are the later trade reissues with different imprints.
I have a first edition of Tortuga — 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.