The first edition of Blood Meridian was published by Random House in April 1985. Initial sales were modest — perhaps 2,000 copies in hardcover — making fine copies in the original dust jacket legitimately scarce.
Points of Issue
- Title page: Random House colophon (house device) present
- Copyright page: “First Edition” statement; full number line including “2”
- Dust jacket: Front flap price $16.95; rear panel lists McCarthy’s previous novels
- Binding: Red cloth boards, gilt lettering on spine
- Page count: 337 pp.
Condition Premiums
The dust jacket is prone to fading along the spine (the red lettering turns pink). Copies with bright, unfaded jackets command a significant premium. The cloth boards themselves hold up well.