The points of issue
"First Printing" stated on the copyright page (firsts also carry the "W" on the copyright page); quarter blue cloth over red paper boards, title stamped in blue; price-clipped-free dust jacket carries the original printed price on the front flap. Scarce first novel, roughly 4,500 copies.
Is this the true first?
US Houghton Mifflin is the true first; the UK Penguin edition came much later (1990).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition of note. Reprints lack the "First Printing" line and the "W."
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Americana a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: "First Printing" stated on the copyright page (firsts also carry the "W" on the copyright page); quarter blue cloth over red paper boards, title stamped in blue; price-clipped-free dust jacket carries the original printed price on the front flap. Scarce first novel, roughly 4,500 copies.
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 Houghton Mifflin is the true first; the UK Penguin edition came much later (1990).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition of note. Reprints lack the "First Printing" line and the "W."
I have a first edition of Americana — 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.