The points of issue
First issue, first state has the textual error 'Purdy' for 'Lyte' on page 49 (line 4), with 'my fellow human' on the following line; this reading was corrected in later printings. Copyright page carries the first-printing statement 'Published September, 1922'. Bound in dark blue cloth stamped in orange on spine and front board.
Is this the true first?
True US first; precedes the UK Cape edition of 1922. The page 49 'Purdy' for 'Lyte' reading is the standard point distinguishing the first issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Not a book-club book. Later printings add additional-printing statements on the copyright page and correct the page 49 reading.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Babbitt a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First issue, first state has the textual error 'Purdy' for 'Lyte' on page 49 (line 4), with 'my fellow human' on the following line; this reading was corrected in later printings. Copyright page carries the first-printing statement 'Published September, 1922'. Bound in dark blue cloth stamped in orange on spine and front board.
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. True US first; precedes the UK Cape edition of 1922. The page 49 'Purdy' for 'Lyte' reading is the standard point distinguishing the first issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Not a book-club book. Later printings add additional-printing statements on the copyright page and correct the page 49 reading.
I have a first edition of Babbitt — 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.