The points of issue
Title page and copyright page both dated 1921 with no later-printing statement. The first state has a textual point on page 419, line 14, where 'you' and 'why' are transposed, reading 'I can't see you why don't wear more colour'; this was corrected in later states. Blue cloth, 434 pages. The first-issue dust jacket shows a caricature of Tarkington on the back panel; a later jacket state replaces it with 'Unanimous!' praise.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday, Page 1921 is the true first. Confirm by matching 1921 on both title and copyright pages with no printing code, plus the page 419 transposition for the earliest state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Grosset & Dunlap reprint is the common inexpensive copy and is clearly marked as a reprint.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Alice Adams a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Title page and copyright page both dated 1921 with no later-printing statement. The first state has a textual point on page 419, line 14, where 'you' and 'why' are transposed, reading 'I can't see you why don't wear more colour'; this was corrected in later states. Blue cloth, 434 pages. The first-issue dust jacket shows a caricature of Tarkington on the back panel; a later jacket state replaces it with 'Unanimous!' praise.
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 Doubleday, Page 1921 is the true first. Confirm by matching 1921 on both title and copyright pages with no printing code, plus the page 419 transposition for the earliest state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Grosset & Dunlap reprint is the common inexpensive copy and is clearly marked as a reprint.
I have a first edition of Alice Adams — 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.