The points of issue
First printing has 'FIRST EDITION' stated with the full number line ending in '1' and the Random House 'house' device on the title page; first-issue dust jacket priced the printed price with the correct rear-panel author photo and blurbs.
Is this the true first?
US Random House 1985 first printing is the true first; UK (Picador, 1989) follows. Signed firsts are scarce and heavily forged given McCarthy's reluctance to sign.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions are blind-stamped, lack 'First Edition'/number line, and have unpriced jackets; later printings drop the '1'.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Blood Meridian a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing has 'FIRST EDITION' stated with the full number line ending in '1' and the Random House 'house' device on the title page; first-issue dust jacket priced the printed price with the correct rear-panel author photo and blurbs.
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 Random House 1985 first printing is the true first; UK (Picador, 1989) follows. Signed firsts are scarce and heavily forged given McCarthy's reluctance to sign.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions are blind-stamped, lack 'First Edition'/number line, and have unpriced jackets; later printings drop the '1'.
I have a first edition of Blood Meridian — 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.