|
|
|
Gurdjieff's Meetings: First Editions
Meetings with Remarkable Men by G.I. Gurdjieff was first published in 1963
in London by RKP and in New York by Dutton. I assume the London came first.
The Dutton edition states "First published in the U.S.A, 1963" and "Printed
in Great Britain". Dutton reprinted at least three times. I have seen Dutton
printings that state "fourth printing".
Sometime, I assume later than the fourth Dutton printing, in the late 60's
or early 70's it was reprinted by University Books, a publisher specializing
in inexpensive reprints of metaphysical, occult and religious titles. The
University books edition appears to have used the first Dutton plates with
very minor modifications. The only difference in the printing is that the
University books edition states "Printed in the U.S.A." at the bottom of the
copyright page and there is a standard "No part of this book may be
reproduced..." blurb in the middle of the page. The title page states
"Dutton/1963" and the copyright page still states "First published in the
U.S.A, 1963" with no other printing information. So it is understandable
that many people mistake it for the first.
The only other differences are in the binding, the paper size and quality,
and the jacket.
- The first Dutton has "Dutton" printed on the bottom of the jacket
spine. The University Press edition has no publisher on the jacket spine.
- The Dutton has quotations from reviews, most notably, including Frank
Lloyd Wright, on the back of the jacket. The University Press edition has a
listing of books from the "Library of the Mystic Arts." The one fact that
should make people question the authenticity of the reprint: it states
"University Books (logo) New Hyde Park, New York" on the bottom of the rear
of the jacket.
- The Dutton has a price of $6.95. The reprint price is $5.95.
- The first Dutton measures 8 3/4' X 5 3/4' X 1 1/8'. The reprint
measures approximately 8 1/2' X 5 3/4' X 1 1/4'.
- Finally, the cloth of the reprint is a pale blue with white threads in
it, it is a coarse cloth and has Gurdjieff's signature embossed in the front
in gold. The first Dutton cloth is solid deep blue with the cover plain.
To find available works by G.I. Gurdjieff, click here.
Content provided by James Evans, By The Way Books.
|
|
