The points of issue
W.W. Norton first printing: copyright page with the number line descending to 1 (first printing). Dust jacket priced the printed price. Mosley's debut and first Easy Rawlins novel.
Is this the true first?
US Norton 1990 is the true first, preceding the UK Serpent's Tail/Pan editions. The US first with full number line is the collectible; signed copies sought.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings show a number line not reaching 1. No prominent cloth BCE; the number line is the deciding factor.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Devil in a Blue Dress a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: W.W. Norton first printing: copyright page with the number line descending to 1 (first printing). Dust jacket priced the printed price. Mosley's debut and first Easy Rawlins novel.
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 Norton 1990 is the true first, preceding the UK Serpent's Tail/Pan editions. The US first with full number line is the collectible; signed copies sought.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings show a number line not reaching 1. No prominent cloth BCE; the number line is the deciding factor.
I have a first edition of Devil in a Blue Dress — 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.