The points of issue
Lethem's second novel, Harcourt Brace & Company, New York, 1995. The copyright page states 'First edition' with Harcourt's descending letter line terminating in 'A'. Issued as a hardcover original in cloth-backed boards (black cloth, green boards, white spine lettering), in the original price-bearing, unclipped dust jacket; confirm the 'A' line and the flap price together.
Is this the true first?
The US Harcourt Brace 1995 hardcover is the true first. The Tor edition of 1996 is a later issue with new cover art, not the first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No widely noted book club edition; later trade and mass-market reprints lack the letter line and the 'First edition' statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Amnesia Moon a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Lethem's second novel, Harcourt Brace & Company, New York, 1995. The copyright page states 'First edition' with Harcourt's descending letter line terminating in 'A'. Issued as a hardcover original in cloth-backed boards (black cloth, green boards, white spine lettering), in the original price-bearing, unclipped dust jacket; confirm the 'A' line and the flap price together.
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 Harcourt Brace 1995 hardcover is the true first. The Tor edition of 1996 is a later issue with new cover art, not the first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No widely noted book club edition; later trade and mass-market reprints lack the letter line and the 'First edition' statement.
I have a first edition of Amnesia Moon — 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.