This is a noteworthy edition—not only as McCarthy’s first appearance in Italian—but also as an example of how a small independent press can outmaneuver a major publishing house by acting quickly and thinking creatively. Given that Guida’s archives are disorganized (and badly in need of proper arrangement), the full details of how they managed to beat Einaudi to publication may be better found buried somewhere in the Einaudi papers or Knopf’s records—and would certainly warrant further investigation. What is certain is that they succeeded.

LATER EDITIONS:
Einaudi, which went on to publish all subsequent Italian translations of McCarthy’s work, attempted to acquire the Italian rights from Guida but had their offer rejected. As a result, they had to renegotiate rights directly with Knopf. Einaudi eventually published their own paperback edition of All the Pretty Horses with a new translation in 1996.

COLLECTING TOPICS:
Although the print run was likely modest, copies of this edition in decent condition are fairly easy to find, typically for around thirty dollars or less. More difficult to locate are copies in near fine condition or better, especially those complete with the original red wraparound band. I am not aware of signed or inscribe copies.