The points of issue
Borzoi/Knopf copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION' with the full number-line ending in a terminal '1'; Borzoi colophon. Confirm the dust-jacket front-flap price is present and unclipped. Moore's best-known and most-collected story collection (a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist).
Is this the true first?
The US Knopf hardcover (1998) is the true first; the UK Faber edition is a separate first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-of-the-Month and other club copies are lighter, lack the number-line and the flap price, and may show a small blind-stamp on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Birds of America a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Borzoi/Knopf copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION' with the full number-line ending in a terminal '1'; Borzoi colophon. Confirm the dust-jacket front-flap price is present and unclipped. Moore's best-known and most-collected story collection (a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist).
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 Knopf hardcover (1998) is the true first; the UK Faber edition is a separate first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-of-the-Month and other club copies are lighter, lack the number-line and the flap price, and may show a small blind-stamp on the rear board.
I have a first edition of Birds of America — 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.