The points of issue
First edition 1934, Viking (NY). The first printing carries a 'Published [month] 1934' statement (the book was first published November 1934) with no list of subsequent printings on the copyright page. Illustrations by Atanas Katchamakoff; tan cloth with red lettering and a red design. A second printing followed in 1935.
Is this the true first?
US true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1935.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Viking later printings list additional printings on the copyright page. The Viking ship colophon appears on all printings, so rely on the publication statement rather than the colophon.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Dobry a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition 1934, Viking (NY). The first printing carries a 'Published [month] 1934' statement (the book was first published November 1934) with no list of subsequent printings on the copyright page. Illustrations by Atanas Katchamakoff; tan cloth with red lettering and a red design. A second printing followed in 1935.
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. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1935.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Viking later printings list additional printings on the copyright page. The Viking ship colophon appears on all printings, so rely on the publication statement rather than the colophon.
I have a first edition of Dobry — 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.