The points of issue
US Harcourt Brace first, 1994, with 'First edition' stated on the copyright page followed by an ascending letter line reading A B C D E (the present 'A' marking the first printing). Quarter black cloth over green paper boards with metallic green spine lettering; ISBN 0-15-100093-X. Lehane's debut and the first Kenzie and Gennaro novel; won the 1995 Shamus Award for Best First P.I. Novel.
Is this the true first?
The US Harcourt Brace 1994 edition is the true first; UK editions are later first-thus printings.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
On the ascending letter line, a first printing must show the 'A'; later printings begin at a higher letter (B, C, and so on). Book-club editions lack the jacket price and the gutter code.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Drink Before the War a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Harcourt Brace first, 1994, with 'First edition' stated on the copyright page followed by an ascending letter line reading A B C D E (the present 'A' marking the first printing). Quarter black cloth over green paper boards with metallic green spine lettering; ISBN 0-15-100093-X. Lehane's debut and the first Kenzie and Gennaro novel; won the 1995 Shamus Award for Best First P.I. Novel.
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. The US Harcourt Brace 1994 edition is the true first; UK editions are later first-thus printings.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
On the ascending letter line, a first printing must show the 'A'; later printings begin at a higher letter (B, C, and so on). Book-club editions lack the jacket price and the gutter code.
I have a first edition of A Drink Before the War — 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.