The points of issue
First edition has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page (Harcourt's 1940s practice; no number line in this era, the statement is removed on later printings). Binding is red cloth. First-issue dust jacket carries the printed price and a Sinclair Lewis blurb on the rear panel; a later jacket state omits the Sinclair Lewis text from the rear panel.
Is this the true first?
US Harcourt, Brace 1946 true first; the 1947 Pulitzer winner. The point is the stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings remove the 'First Edition' statement. Book-club editions lack the statement and the printed jacket price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of All the King's Men a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page (Harcourt's 1940s practice; no number line in this era, the statement is removed on later printings). Binding is red cloth. First-issue dust jacket carries the printed price and a Sinclair Lewis blurb on the rear panel; a later jacket state omits the Sinclair Lewis text from the rear panel.
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 Harcourt, Brace 1946 true first; the 1947 Pulitzer winner. The point is the stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings remove the 'First Edition' statement. Book-club editions lack the statement and the printed jacket price.
I have a first edition of All the King's Men — 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.