The Shining First Editions, BCEs and Gutter Codes

[OneFathom]

True 1st trade edition of The Shining has a gutter code of "R49." That we all know. Soon after the editions go into BCEs and then back into trade editions. Examples...

*"R52" is a stated book club edition (I haven't seen an "R50" or "R51".

*S3"..."S10" and "S14" are all trade editions with $8.95 on the dust jacket just like the "R49." I also know of an "S19" which is $8.95, I believe.

What is the rationale between going back and forth between trade/BCE/trade like that?

[jhanic]

I would assume different print runs as they needed them. The initial R49, then the book club runs, then more trade copies.

John

[OneFathom]

Thanks, John. The whole gutter code aspect of Mr. King's books is fascinating to me. Way to drop that knowledge.

[jhanic]

Check out:

http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/sho ... ode-theory

John

[heatherhunter]

I have come across a copy of The Shining, while clearing out my dad's house, that has a gutter code of S2, no dust jacket. Any idea what edition and printing this might be?

Also, there are "withdrawn" stamps inside the front and back covers. As well as what looks like the remnants of a library card sleeve. So, I'm guessing it was a Library book at one point.

Thanks!

[dougsummers]

I have a copy with a gutter code of MP4W. Was wondering what edition and printing this was. Any ideas?

[TheCollector]

I have a copy with a gutter code of MP4W. Was wondering what edition and printing this was. Any ideas?

Since this isn't in line with the known gutter codes, which span the mid 70's to mid 80's my guess is that it's some later reprint after that. Also I'd hazard a guess it's a book club edition (check for a price on the inner front flap of the DJ).

[LTZBooks]

Good afternoon.

I'd like to chime in on this discussion.

As far as I know, the early book club editions were all printed with all black or all green boards, with no cloth spines. I acquired an early edition of The Shining with the black cloth spine and tan boards, which, as far as I know is unique to 1st editions. This book has a gutter code R52, which I understand to mean 1977 and the 52 week of the year. The book also had the true 1st edition dust jacket with the price of $8.95 on it. The full size copies of The Shining that you seen now days that have the black cloth spines and tan boards are book club editions that have the solid green backs on the dust jackets.

Are there actual book club editions with the gutter code of R52, black cloth spine, and tan boards?

[TheCollector]

Good afternoon.

I'd like to chime in on this discussion.

As far as I know, the early book club editions were all printed with all black or all green boards, with no cloth spines. I acquired an early edition of The Shining with the black cloth spine and tan boards, which, as far as I know is unique to 1st editions. This book has a gutter code R52, which I understand to mean 1977 and the 52 week of the year. The book also had the true 1st edition dust jacket with the price of $8.95 on it. The full size copies of The Shining that you seen now days that have the black cloth spines and tan boards are book club editions that have the solid green backs on the dust jackets.

Are there actual book club editions with the gutter code of R52, black cloth spine, and tan boards?

I don't think so, but there may be copies where someone inadvertently put a nicer book club DJ on a 1st trade edition at some point. I'd like to think with the internet those days are over but it was an easy mistake to make in the 80's and 90's as King was getting more popular and before folks could just look up these sorts of specifics on identification and value.