The points of issue
First printing of the illustrated biography, about 128 pages with roughly 116 illustrations. Issued in 1978 by Thames & Hudson in London and by Scribner in New York; the Scribner issue carries a number line beginning with 1 on the copyright page. As a Thames & Hudson illustrated biography the London issue is generally treated as the originating first.
Is this the true first?
UK Thames & Hudson 1978 is generally treated as the true first as the originating publisher; the US Scribner edition also appeared in 1978.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue identified.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Ernest Hemingway and His World a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the illustrated biography, about 128 pages with roughly 116 illustrations. Issued in 1978 by Thames & Hudson in London and by Scribner in New York; the Scribner issue carries a number line beginning with 1 on the copyright page. As a Thames & Hudson illustrated biography the London issue is generally treated as the originating first.
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. UK Thames & Hudson 1978 is generally treated as the true first as the originating publisher; the US Scribner edition also appeared in 1978.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue identified.
I have a first edition of Ernest Hemingway and His World — 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.