The points of issue
Random House trade first carries 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page together with the number line ending in 1, plus the Random House house colophon. Dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap.
Is this the true first?
Stegner's last novel. The Franklin Library signed, leather-bound edition (1987) PRECEDES the Random House trade edition and is regarded as the true first; the Random House first is the first trade edition. Collectors distinguish the two.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Random House book-club editions drop the 'First Edition' statement and number line, carry a blind stamp on the rear board, and have an unpriced jacket. The intact number line ending in 1 plus the stated 'First Edition' marks the Random House trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Crossing to Safety a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Random House trade first carries 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page together with the number line ending in 1, plus the Random House house colophon. Dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap.
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. Stegner's last novel. The Franklin Library signed, leather-bound edition (1987) PRECEDES the Random House trade edition and is regarded as the true first; the Random House first is the first trade edition. Collectors distinguish the two.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Random House book-club editions drop the 'First Edition' statement and number line, carry a blind stamp on the rear board, and have an unpriced jacket. The intact number line ending in 1 plus the stated 'First Edition' marks the Random House trade first.
I have a first edition of Crossing to Safety — 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.