John Irving - Setting Free the Bears[First Edition - First Print] - 1968

Hardcover from 1968, 1st Edition, first printing as written on the copyright page. Random House.

First edition points:

- Stated "first printing" on the copyright page.
- Correct date of 1968
- Bottom left of rear flap stating “1/69” as required.
- Correct price unclipped- $5.95

Condition:

Dust Jacket Condition:

Very good with some light rippling of the cover in places and creasing around the edges and on the spine. No tears or loss just light edgewear. Jacket is still very vibrant. Not price-clipped ($5.95).

This is the Random House first print with bottom left of rear flap stating “1/69” which is a first printing requirement. Some marks on insides of dustjacket as can be seen in the images provided.

Boards:

Nice clean red boards with very minor marking in places (See images). Gilt lettering on the spine still present. Top of page stack is in red ink and is not dusty.

Interior:

Interior is in lovely condition with no dog-eared pages, inscriptions or foxing at all. Tightly bound. End papers are clean with minor creasing in places.
The book is protected in a new clear removeable archival cover.

The first book by the author of later bestsellers, such as The World According to Garp and A Prayer for Owen Meany. Unlike his later books, which sold literally hundreds of thousands of copies (millions, if one includes the paperback sales), this book sold slightly over 6,000 copies in two printings.

Hence this first printing is very rare as only around 3000 copies were printed.