The points of issue
True first: Wynwood Press, 1989, a small printing of about 5,000 copies. Points: jacket carries the subtitle 'A Novel of Retribution' and the printed price on the front flap, unclipped; no later Grisham titles are mentioned (he had none yet). Bound in ocher (tan) paper-covered boards over a maroon cloth spine lettered in gilt. Distinct from the later, far more common Doubleday edition.
Is this the true first?
The US Wynwood Press edition (1989) is the true first, Grisham's debut, issued before he became famous, hence the tiny printing. The common Doubleday 'first edition' (a 1992 reissue) is NOT the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Doubleday reissue and book-club copies list later Grisham titles, carry different pricing, and lack the Wynwood imprint; book-club copies typically have a blind-stamped dot on the rear board and no price on the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Time to Kill a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first: Wynwood Press, 1989, a small printing of about 5,000 copies. Points: jacket carries the subtitle 'A Novel of Retribution' and the printed price on the front flap, unclipped; no later Grisham titles are mentioned (he had none yet). Bound in ocher (tan) paper-covered boards over a maroon cloth spine lettered in gilt. Distinct from the later, far more common Doubleday edition.
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 Wynwood Press edition (1989) is the true first, Grisham's debut, issued before he became famous, hence the tiny printing. The common Doubleday 'first edition' (a 1992 reissue) is NOT the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Doubleday reissue and book-club copies list later Grisham titles, carry different pricing, and lack the Wynwood imprint; book-club copies typically have a blind-stamped dot on the rear board and no price on the jacket.
I have a first edition of A Time to Kill — 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.