The points of issue
First edition 1950, Aladdin Books, distributed by E. P. Dutton (New York), issued April 1950. The first printing is dated 1950 with no later-printing statement. Illustrations by Nora S. Unwin; cloth binding.
Is this the true first?
US true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1951.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings within the 1950 edition exist and add printing notices; subsequent Dutton and Puffin issues are clearly later reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Amos Fortune, Free Man a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition 1950, Aladdin Books, distributed by E. P. Dutton (New York), issued April 1950. The first printing is dated 1950 with no later-printing statement. Illustrations by Nora S. Unwin; cloth binding.
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 true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1951.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings within the 1950 edition exist and add printing notices; subsequent Dutton and Puffin issues are clearly later reprints.
I have a first edition of Amos Fortune, Free Man — 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.