The points of issue
First edition, Top Shelf Productions, 2003, thick (approximately 582 pp.) softcover, ISBN 1-891830-43-0 (9781891830433). The key point of issue is the copyright page reading 'First Printing, July 2003' with the original Top Shelf imprint and price. First-printing copies predate the later Top Shelf reprintings and the 2011 anniversary hardcover.
Is this the true first?
US true first. The 2011 hardcover anniversary edition is a separate later issue. Confirm the 'First Printing, July 2003' statement on the copyright page rather than relying on the date alone.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition; later softcover printings carry revised printing statements. Confirm the 'First Printing, July 2003' wording on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Blankets a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Top Shelf Productions, 2003, thick (approximately 582 pp.) softcover, ISBN 1-891830-43-0 (9781891830433). The key point of issue is the copyright page reading 'First Printing, July 2003' with the original Top Shelf imprint and price. First-printing copies predate the later Top Shelf reprintings and the 2011 anniversary hardcover.
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 true first. The 2011 hardcover anniversary edition is a separate later issue. Confirm the 'First Printing, July 2003' statement on the copyright page rather than relying on the date alone.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition; later softcover printings carry revised printing statements. Confirm the 'First Printing, July 2003' wording on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Blankets — 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.