The points of issue
Knopf, New York, 1977. The true first states 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page with the borzoi colophon; quarter cloth over green paper boards (boards blind-stamped), spine lettered in gilt, jacket designed by Fred Marcellino with the printed price present.
Is this the true first?
US Knopf 1977 is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions omit the stated 'FIRST EDITION' and the printed jacket price; note that blind-stamped boards are a feature of the trade first as well, so rely on the copyright-page statement and the priced jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Earthly Possessions a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Knopf, New York, 1977. The true first states 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page with the borzoi colophon; quarter cloth over green paper boards (boards blind-stamped), spine lettered in gilt, jacket designed by Fred Marcellino with the printed price present.
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 Knopf 1977 is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions omit the stated 'FIRST EDITION' and the printed jacket price; note that blind-stamped boards are a feature of the trade first as well, so rely on the copyright-page statement and the priced jacket.
I have a first edition of Earthly Possessions — 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.