The points of issue
Copyright page states 'First Scribner edition 1998' with a full number line ending in 1 (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2). First-state dust jacket carries the printed cover price. Scribner colophon present.
Is this the true first?
The US Scribner 1998 edition is the true first. The UK Hodder and Stoughton 1998 edition is a separate edition. Signed limited editions issued separately are distinct collectible states.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The book-club edition is smaller and lighter, blind-stamped on the rear board, with a jacket bearing no printed price, and it lacks the full number line ending in 1. The price-present unclipped jacket together with the 1 in the number line confirms the trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Bag of Bones a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states 'First Scribner edition 1998' with a full number line ending in 1 (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2). First-state dust jacket carries the printed cover price. Scribner colophon present.
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 Scribner 1998 edition is the true first. The UK Hodder and Stoughton 1998 edition is a separate edition. Signed limited editions issued separately are distinct collectible states.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The book-club edition is smaller and lighter, blind-stamped on the rear board, with a jacket bearing no printed price, and it lacks the full number line ending in 1. The price-present unclipped jacket together with the 1 in the number line confirms the trade first.
I have a first edition of Bag of Bones — 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.