The points of issue
First edition, first printing 1932 William Morrow, with the Standing Bear color illustrations; first-issue copyright state with no later-printing line. First-issue dust jacket with the original art and front-flap price. Bound in cloth.
Is this the true first?
US William Morrow (1932) is the true first—the landmark Lakota spiritual autobiography. Later University of Nebraska Press editions (from 1961) are 'first thus' with new introductions and are common; the 1932 Morrow first is scarce, especially jacketed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition prominent in 1932; the pervasive confusion is the University of Nebraska Press editions (1961 onward), which carry the Nebraska imprint and added introductions—clearly not the 1932 Morrow first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Black Elk Speaks a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing 1932 William Morrow, with the Standing Bear color illustrations; first-issue copyright state with no later-printing line. First-issue dust jacket with the original art and front-flap price. Bound in cloth.
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 William Morrow (1932) is the true first—the landmark Lakota spiritual autobiography. Later University of Nebraska Press editions (from 1961) are 'first thus' with new introductions and are common; the 1932 Morrow first is scarce, especially jacketed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition prominent in 1932; the pervasive confusion is the University of Nebraska Press editions (1961 onward), which carry the Nebraska imprint and added introductions—clearly not the 1932 Morrow first.
I have a first edition of Black Elk Speaks — 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.