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First-Edition Identification · James T. Farrell

Is My Ellen Rogers a First Edition?

The Vanguard Press, 1941

The points of issue

First printing carries no later-printing statement on the copyright page. A standalone novel of about 429 pages.

Decode the printer’s key: paste the number line into the decoder · The Vanguard Press first-edition guide.

Is this the true first?

US first edition, published in New York by The Vanguard Press in 1941.

Telling it from reprints & book-club editions

Later printings are stated as such; the first has no later-printing notice.

Frequently asked questions

Is my copy of Ellen Rogers a first edition?

Look for these first-edition points: First printing carries no later-printing statement on the copyright page. A standalone novel of about 429 pages.

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 first edition, published in New York by The Vanguard Press in 1941.

Is the book-club edition the same as the first?

Later printings are stated as such; the first has no later-printing notice.

I have a first edition of Ellen Rogers — 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.

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