The points of issue
First edition: Ariel Books (Farrar, Straus & Cudahy), 1962; first-issue dust jacket WITHOUT the Newbery Medal (won 1963), priced the printed price, art by Ellen Raskin. Copyright page states 'First printing' / no later-printing line; jacket carries 'Cudahy' (the firm became Farrar, Straus & Giroux shortly after).
Is this the true first?
US Ariel/FSC is the true first. The pre-Newbery jacket (no medal) plus the the printed price Raskin jacket and the 'Cudahy' imprint are the key first-issue markers; relaunch jackets added the Newbery Medal.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions add the Newbery Medal to the jacket, drop the price, and are smaller with a board blind-stamp; later trade printings carry the 'Giroux' imprint and a printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Wrinkle in Time a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition: Ariel Books (Farrar, Straus & Cudahy), 1962; first-issue dust jacket WITHOUT the Newbery Medal (won 1963), priced the printed price, art by Ellen Raskin. Copyright page states 'First printing' / no later-printing line; jacket carries 'Cudahy' (the firm became Farrar, Straus & Giroux shortly after).
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 Ariel/FSC is the true first. The pre-Newbery jacket (no medal) plus the the printed price Raskin jacket and the 'Cudahy' imprint are the key first-issue markers; relaunch jackets added the Newbery Medal.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions add the Newbery Medal to the jacket, drop the price, and are smaller with a board blind-stamp; later trade printings carry the 'Giroux' imprint and a printing statement.
I have a first edition of A Wrinkle in Time — 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.