The points of issue
Simon & Schuster first edition, first printing, with a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page and the Simon & Schuster imprint. Blue textured boards over speckled paper, gilt spine, in the illustrated dust jacket. PEN/Faulkner finalist. Confirm the original jacket price is present and unclipped.
Is this the true first?
The US Simon & Schuster hardcover of 1997 is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club copies lack the number line and the printed jacket price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Because They Wanted To a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Simon & Schuster first edition, first printing, with a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page and the Simon & Schuster imprint. Blue textured boards over speckled paper, gilt spine, in the illustrated dust jacket. PEN/Faulkner finalist. Confirm the original jacket price is present and unclipped.
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 Simon & Schuster hardcover of 1997 is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club copies lack the number line and the printed jacket price.
I have a first edition of Because They Wanted To — 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.