The points of issue
The true first edition of Fire in the Night by Raymond Otis is identified by: First edition; scarce Santa Fe-school novel.
Farrar & Rinehart’s first-printing convention: “First printed [Year]” / “First published [Year]” statement No number line — the statement is the sole identifier. Full points-of-issue methodology →
Commonly confused with
Book-club editions and later printings reprint the text but are not the first edition and are far less collectible. Because there is no number line, the copyright-page wording is the sole textual identifier — read it carefully. Use the points above to be certain — see book-club edition vs. first edition.
Where it sits
Fire in the Night is a Tier 4 (entry-level to mid three-figure) title in the New Mexico Book Value Index. Otis's 1934 first is a scarce Santa Fe-art-colony novel; closed pool since 1938.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Fire in the Night a first edition?
Look for these first-printing points: First edition; scarce Santa Fe-school novel For Farrar & Rinehart, “First printed [Year]” / “First published [Year]” statement No number line — the statement is the sole identifier. Later printings and book-club editions lack them.
How do I tell a first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention: “First printed [Year]” / “First published [Year]” statement No number line — the statement is the sole identifier, and confirm the named point of issue above. A number line, stated edition, or dated first printing is the key.
Is a book-club edition the same as a first edition?
No. Book-club editions (BCE) reprint the text but are not the true first edition and are far less collectible — Because there is no number line, the copyright-page wording is the sole textual identifier — read it carefully.. Check the points of issue above to be sure.
I have a first edition of Fire in the Night — what should I do with it?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque in any condition and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. If you'd rather sell, see the Raymond Otis collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.