The points of issue
'First Edition' is stated on the copyright page with no later-printing line. Publisher's red boards with a navy/blue cloth spine, gilt spine lettering and a blind-stamped 'CMcC' on the front board. First-issue dust jacket carries the printed price unclipped; the rear panel shows the author photo and no review blurbs.
Is this the true first?
US Random House is the true first; the UK Chatto & Windus edition (1975) follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Reprints and paperbacks (Vintage, Ecco) omit the 'First Edition' statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Child of God a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'First Edition' is stated on the copyright page with no later-printing line. Publisher's red boards with a navy/blue cloth spine, gilt spine lettering and a blind-stamped 'CMcC' on the front board. First-issue dust jacket carries the printed price unclipped; the rear panel shows the author photo and no review 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 is the true first; the UK Chatto & Windus edition (1975) follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Reprints and paperbacks (Vintage, Ecco) omit the 'First Edition' statement.
I have a first edition of Child of God — 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.