The points of issue
First edition 1955, Houghton Mifflin Company (Boston). Houghton Mifflin of this period did not print a First Edition statement; the first printing is identified by the title-page date matching the copyright date (1955) with no later-printing statement on the copyright page. Illustrations by John O'Hara Cosgrave II; cloth binding.
Is this the true first?
US true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1956.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings add a printing statement to the copyright page or show a date discrepancy between title page and copyright page; such copies are reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Carry On, Mr. Bowditch a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition 1955, Houghton Mifflin Company (Boston). Houghton Mifflin of this period did not print a First Edition statement; the first printing is identified by the title-page date matching the copyright date (1955) with no later-printing statement on the copyright page. Illustrations by John O'Hara Cosgrave II; cloth binding.
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. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1956.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings add a printing statement to the copyright page or show a date discrepancy between title page and copyright page; such copies are reprints.
I have a first edition of Carry On, Mr. Bowditch — 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.