2 Robert Lawson first editions are documented on this shelf, from They Were Strong and Good (1940) to Rabbit Hill (1944). Each linked guide gives the points of issue that separate a true first printing of that Robert Lawson title from later printings and book-club copies — the publisher and year to expect, the number-line or edition-statement conventions, and the tells that show up in online listings.

Identification only, per the house rule: no prices and no appraisals here. Checking a Robert Lawson copy in hand? Type the title into the First-Edition Checker or photograph the copyright page with Snap & Sort.

They Were Strong and Good — 1940 · The Viking PressThe Viking Press imprint; copyright 1940. The first printing states 'First Published September 1940' on the copyright page, with no later-printing notations; second and later 1940 printings are noted as such on the copyright page. Pictorial cloth with pictorial endpapers; black-and-white illustrations throughout. The first-issue jacket bears no Caldecott seal (award 1941). US true first is the 1940 Viking issue with the 'First Published September 1940' copyright statement. Later editions softened the racial text, but the collectible first is the 1940 first printing. Reprints add the medallion to the jacket; later wartime printings use lighter-weight paper. The 'First Published September 1940' statement without added printing notations is the key identifier.
Rabbit Hill — 1944 · The Viking PressFirst edition 1944, Viking (New York). First printing identified by 'First Published September 1944' on the copyright page with no further printings noted. Author-illustrated by Robert Lawson; pictorial cloth. First-state jacket lacks the Newbery Medal seal. US true first. Won the Newbery Medal in 1945. Viking later printings list additional printings. Second-state jackets add the Newbery Medal seal to the front. The sequel 'The Tough Winter' is a separate book.

More Children's & YA shelves: Robert McCloskey, Shel Silverstein, Susan Cooper, Suzanne Collins, Virginia Hamilton, Virginia Lee Burton.

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