Identifying a True First of Naked Lunch (Both Editions)
Naked Lunch has two important first editions — the 1959 Olympia Press (Paris) and the 1962 Grove Press (US) — each with its own identification challenges. Because later printings and reprint editions are extremely common, correct identification is essential for any significant purchase.
Olympia Press First Edition (1959)
Publisher: The Olympia Press, Paris Series: Traveller’s Companion, No. 76 Title: The Naked Lunch (with definite article) Format: Paperback with green wrappers Price: 1,500 old francs or 15 new francs (depending on issue)
Issue points: Multiple issues of the Olympia Press first exist. Key distinctions include:
- First issue: price in old francs (1,500 francs)
- Later issues: price in new francs (NF 15 or NF 18)
- Wrapper variations: differences in the printing of the spine and covers distinguish issues
The first issue commands a substantial premium over later issues. Consult current bibliographic references (particularly the Burroughs bibliography by Maynard and Miles) for detailed issue identification.
Grove Press First Edition (1962)
Publisher: Grove Press, New York Title: Naked Lunch (without definite article) Format: Hardcover with dust jacket Copyright page: First printing per Grove convention — check for the absence of later printing statements Dust jacket: The Grove jacket design is distinctive; later printings may have different jacket designs or promotional text
Common Misidentifications
Evergreen Black Cat paperback: Grove’s paperback edition, widely distributed. Not a first edition. Castle Books reprint: An unauthorized reprint that mimics some features of the Grove first. Not genuine. Corgi UK paperback: Not a first edition. Various reprint editions: Naked Lunch has been reprinted dozens of times by multiple publishers. Only the Olympia Press and Grove Press first printings have significant collector value.
Authentication for Signed Copies
Given the values involved:
- Verify the edition is a genuine first printing (Olympia or Grove)
- Authenticate the signature through PSA/DNA, JSA, or BAS
- For Olympia Press copies, verify the issue points carefully
- Seek provenance documentation
- Be aware that some signed copies were signed decades after publication — this is legitimate but should be noted