3 Russell Banks first editions are documented on this shelf, from Continental Drift (1985) to The Sweet Hereafter (1991) across 2 different publishers. Each linked guide gives the points of issue that separate a true first printing of that Russell Banks 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 Russell Banks copy in hand? Type the title into the First-Edition Checker or photograph the copyright page with Snap & Sort.
- Continental Drift — 1985 · Harper & RowQuarter gray cloth over brown paper boards; 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page together with a full number line beginning at 1; unclipped jacket priced at the original figure on the front flap. US Harper & Row, New York, 1985 is the true first. The UK first followed from Hamish Hamilton, 1985. Book-club printings lack the original flap price and the complete number line beginning at 1, and typically carry a blind-stamp (small indentation) to the rear board.
- Affliction — 1989 · Harper & RowHarper & Row first printing: 'First Edition' stated with a full number line including 1 on the copyright page; original price present on the jacket flap; blue boards with maroon (dark) cloth spine and silver spine lettering. Basis for the 1997 film. US Harper & Row, New York, 1989 is the true first. The 1989 date is correct and the earlier uncertainty about 1990 is resolved. Book-club copies lack the original flap price, may carry a blind-stamp to the board, and do not show the complete number line ending in 1.
- The Sweet Hereafter — 1991 · HarperCollinsQuarter dark-blue cloth spine over light-blue paper boards with gilt spine lettering; 'First Edition' stated with a full number line beginning at 1 on the copyright page; jacket unclipped with original front-flap price. Basis for Atom Egoyan's 1997 film. US HarperCollins, New York, 1991 is the true first (ISBN 9780060167035). Book-club copies lack the original flap price, carry a blind-stamp to the board, and do not show the number line ending in 1.
More Literary Fiction (US) & Award Winners shelves: Sally Rooney, Salman Rushdie, Samuel R. Delany, Sandra Cisneros, Sarah J. Maas, Sarah Orne Jewett.
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