The points of issue
First edition, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1968, about 382 pages, in black cloth with gilt lettering and a red title field to the spine; dust jacket designed by John Sposato. A novel of slavery set on a Deep South plantation on the eve of the Civil War.
Is this the true first?
US Putnam edition is the true first. A UK edition (Michael Joseph) followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings and the UK Michael Joseph issue are reprints, not the US first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Beauty Beast a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1968, about 382 pages, in black cloth with gilt lettering and a red title field to the spine; dust jacket designed by John Sposato. A novel of slavery set on a Deep South plantation on the eve of the Civil War.
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 Putnam edition is the true first. A UK edition (Michael Joseph) followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings and the UK Michael Joseph issue are reprints, not the US first.
I have a first edition of Beauty Beast — 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.