The points of issue
The first edition, first printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page under the Holt, Rinehart and Winston imprint (New York, Chicago, San Francisco; 1963), with no additional later-printing notice. CORRECTION: the original first-issue dust jacket is priced the printed price on the front flap, NOT the printed price. Multiple independent dealers (bbrarebooks, burnsiderarebooks, dustjackets.com) consistently cite the printed price; no source supports the printed price. The true-first note is ACCURATE: the US Holt, Rinehart and Winston edition (published March 18, 1963) is the true first; the UK Gollancz edition (1963) followed it, so the stated "First Edition" US trade copy is the collected first.
Is this the true first?
US Holt, Rinehart and Winston is the true first. The stated 'First Edition' trade copy is the collected first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club edition lacks 'First Edition' on the copyright page and carries a blind-stamp; reprints are on cheaper paper.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Cat's Cradle a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The first edition, first printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page under the Holt, Rinehart and Winston imprint (New York, Chicago, San Francisco; 1963), with no additional later-printing notice. CORRECTION: the original first-issue dust jacket is priced the printed price on the front flap, NOT the printed price. Multiple independent dealers (bbrarebooks, burnsiderarebooks, dustjackets.com) consistently cite the printed price; no source supports the printed price. The true-first note is ACCURATE: the US Holt, Rinehart and Winston edition (publis
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 Holt, Rinehart and Winston is the true first. The stated 'First Edition' trade copy is the collected first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club edition lacks 'First Edition' on the copyright page and carries a blind-stamp; reprints are on cheaper paper.
I have a first edition of Cat's Cradle — 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.