The points of issue
First edition 1939, Viking (New York). First printing has 'First Published October 1939' (Viking convention) on the copyright page with no later printings listed. Author-illustrated by James Daugherty with lithographic illustrations; pictorial cloth with map endpapers.
Is this the true first?
US true first. Won the Newbery Medal in 1940.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Viking later printings add further printing statements to the copyright-page verso. The presence of any additional printing line means it is not a first printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Daniel Boone a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition 1939, Viking (New York). First printing has 'First Published October 1939' (Viking convention) on the copyright page with no later printings listed. Author-illustrated by James Daugherty with lithographic illustrations; pictorial cloth with map endpapers.
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. Won the Newbery Medal in 1940.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Viking later printings add further printing statements to the copyright-page verso. The presence of any additional printing line means it is not a first printing.
I have a first edition of Daniel Boone — 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.