The points of issue
First printing has 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page with no later-printing notation. First-issue binding is olive (some copies grey) cloth with lettering and decoration in black and red; Borzoi device present. First-issue dust jacket carries the printed net price on the front panel, with jacket art credited to John Salter.
Is this the true first?
US Knopf 1944 true first; Hersey's first novel and the 1945 Pulitzer winner. The point is 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page with no statement of a later printing.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Caution: Knopf retained the 'FIRST EDITION' statement across several early printings (the text went through multiple printings before and around publication), so the statement alone does not prove a true first printing; later printings are distinguished by an added printing notation. Book-club copies lack the statement entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Bell for Adano a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing has 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page with no later-printing notation. First-issue binding is olive (some copies grey) cloth with lettering and decoration in black and red; Borzoi device present. First-issue dust jacket carries the printed net price on the front panel, with jacket art credited to John Salter.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US Knopf 1944 true first; Hersey's first novel and the 1945 Pulitzer winner. The point is 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page with no statement of a later printing.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Caution: Knopf retained the 'FIRST EDITION' statement across several early printings (the text went through multiple printings before and around publication), so the statement alone does not prove a true first printing; later printings are distinguished by an added printing notation. Book-club copies lack the statement entirely.
I have a first edition of A Bell for Adano — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.