The points of issue
Orange paper-covered boards with embossed 'SJG' initials and a brown cloth spine lettered in gilt; full number line on the copyright page descending to '1'; first-state dust jacket with price present. Gould's first essay collection, drawn from his Natural History magazine columns.
Is this the true first?
US Norton (New York) is the true first, 1977.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Identify later printings by a number line that no longer descends to '1'.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Ever Since Darwin: Reflections in Natural History a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Orange paper-covered boards with embossed 'SJG' initials and a brown cloth spine lettered in gilt; full number line on the copyright page descending to '1'; first-state dust jacket with price present. Gould's first essay collection, drawn from his Natural History magazine columns.
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 Norton (New York) is the true first, 1977.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Identify later printings by a number line that no longer descends to '1'.
I have a first edition of Ever Since Darwin: Reflections in Natural History — 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.