The points of issue
The Viking Press, 1958, a literary Western and Pulitzer finalist later championed by Thomas Pynchon. The first edition is bound in quarter white cloth over red paper-covered boards and carries the 1958 date with no later-printing statement. The first-state dust jacket was designed by Milton Glaser and carries its printed price. Identify by the 1958 Viking imprint, the binding, and the priced Glaser jacket.
Is this the true first?
The US Viking first is the true first, an under-collected literary Western high spot.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings add printing statements; there is no major book-club confusion. Verify the 1958 Viking imprint with a priced first-state dust jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Warlock a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The Viking Press, 1958, a literary Western and Pulitzer finalist later championed by Thomas Pynchon. The first edition is bound in quarter white cloth over red paper-covered boards and carries the 1958 date with no later-printing statement. The first-state dust jacket was designed by Milton Glaser and carries its printed price. Identify by the 1958 Viking imprint, the binding, and the priced Glaser jacket.
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 Viking first is the true first, an under-collected literary Western high spot.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings add printing statements; there is no major book-club confusion. Verify the 1958 Viking imprint with a priced first-state dust jacket.
I have a first edition of Warlock — 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.