The points of issue
The copyright page states First Published in January 1942 with no later printings indicated. Red cloth with silver lettering and a silver ship design on the front cover; viii plus 631 pages. First-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. Second of the Lanny Budd series.
Is this the true first?
US Viking 1942 true first, identified by the First Published in January 1942 statement with no further printing notices.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings add a printing statement to the copyright page; no significant book-club issue confusion for the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Dragon's Teeth a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The copyright page states First Published in January 1942 with no later printings indicated. Red cloth with silver lettering and a silver ship design on the front cover; viii plus 631 pages. First-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. Second of the Lanny Budd series.
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 Viking 1942 true first, identified by the First Published in January 1942 statement with no further printing notices.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings add a printing statement to the copyright page; no significant book-club issue confusion for the first.
I have a first edition of Dragon's Teeth — 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.