# Is "Cities of the Plain" by Cormac McCarthy a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Cities of the Plain by Cormac McCarthy (Alfred A. Knopf, 1998) is identified by: Knopf, New York, 1998; octavo, about 292 pages. The US Knopf 1998 trade edition is the true first appearance.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1998; octavo, about 292 pages. 'First Edition' is stated on the copyright page beneath the Borzoi/Knopf colophon, with no later-printing statement
- Bound in half black cloth over black paper-covered boards, the author's initials stamped in gilt on the front board, with a bright red top-stain and deckled fore-edges
- The first-issue dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap
- Concludes the Border Trilogy
- Publisher imprint reads Alfred A. Knopf
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Cormac McCarthy |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
| Year | 1998 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1998; octavo, about 292 pages. 'First Edition' is stated on the copyright page beneath the Borzoi/Knopf… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1998; octavo, about 292 pages. 'First Edition' is stated on the copyright page beneath the Borzoi/Knopf colophon, with no later-printing statement. Bound in half black cloth over black paper-covered boards, the author's initials stamped in gilt on the front board, with a bright red top-stain and deckled fore-edges. The first-issue dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. Concludes the Border Trilogy.

## Is this the true first?
The US Knopf 1998 trade edition is the true first appearance. A signed, numbered limited edition (with a smaller deluxe issue) was published separately by B.E. Trice Publishing; the UK Picador edition is a distinct first. For the trade first, confirm the stated 'First Edition,' the gilt initials, red top-stain, and deckled edges.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Identified by the stated 'First Edition' plus the priced first-issue jacket; later printings remove the 'First Edition' statement. No diluting book-club edition of note.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Cities of the Plain* by Cormac McCarthy a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/cities-of-the-plain
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.