The points of issue
First printing identified by a 'First printing, 1968' statement on the copyright page with no later-printing indicia; note that FSG at this date used no number line. Dust jacket priced 4.95. Barthelme's third book, a story collection.
Is this the true first?
True first is the 1968 Farrar, Straus & Giroux hardcover. UK edition Jonathan Cape, 1969.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
None notable.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Unspeakable Practices, Unnatural Acts a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing identified by a 'First printing, 1968' statement on the copyright page with no later-printing indicia; note that FSG at this date used no number line. Dust jacket priced 4.95. Barthelme's third book, a story collection.
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. True first is the 1968 Farrar, Straus & Giroux hardcover. UK edition Jonathan Cape, 1969.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
None notable.
I have a first edition of Unspeakable Practices, Unnatural Acts — 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.