The points of issue
First state has the typo 'adways' for 'always' in the fifth paragraph of p. 27; the copyright page carries an ISBN that is missing a digit, with the correct, different ISBN on the rear dust-jacket flap; copyright page states 'Published 1976' with no number line; jacket price 7.95 on the top inside front flap; xiv, 217 pp.
Is this the true first?
True first US edition, and Maclean's first book — also the first work of fiction ever published by the University of Chicago Press. Of about 5,000 copies printed, the first state comprises the first 3,000 bound; the second state is the remaining 2,000 bound after the first sold out. The 'adways' typo is present in the first state. No prior UK edition predates it.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable US book-club edition of the true first. Later trade printings drop the 'adways' typo and reset the copyright page. Watch for matching-looking later printings that lack the dual-ISBN discrepancy.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A River Runs Through It and Other Stories a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First state has the typo 'adways' for 'always' in the fifth paragraph of p. 27; the copyright page carries an ISBN that is missing a digit, with the correct, different ISBN on the rear dust-jacket flap; copyright page states 'Published 1976' with no number line; jacket price 7.95 on the top inside front flap; xiv, 217 pp.
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. True first US edition, and Maclean's first book — also the first work of fiction ever published by the University of Chicago Press. Of about 5,000 copies printed, the first state comprises the first 3,000 bound; the second state is the remaining 2,000 bound after the first sold out. The 'adways' typ
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable US book-club edition of the true first. Later trade printings drop the 'adways' typo and reset the copyright page. Watch for matching-looking later printings that lack the dual-ISBN discrepancy.
I have a first edition of A River Runs Through It and Other Stories — 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.