The points of issue
The Macmillan Company, 1944, the scandalous historical romance bestseller that prefigured the bodice-ripper. The true first states 'first printing' on the copyright page (Macmillan did not use a number line for this title at the time). Thick octavo, green cloth, about 972 pages, with map endpapers. First-state jacket priced on the front flap, with noted jacket variants (one printed in black, one in blue). Banned in several states, which fueled sales.
Is this the true first?
The US Macmillan first is the true first, a landmark precursor to the modern historical romance. It went on sale October 16, 1944; confirm the 'first printing' statement on the copyright page rather than relying on a date line.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The book reprinted constantly through 1944-45. Confirm the 'first printing' statement (later printings are so stated) and a priced first-state jacket. Book-club copies omit the price and may carry a blind stamp.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Forever Amber a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The Macmillan Company, 1944, the scandalous historical romance bestseller that prefigured the bodice-ripper. The true first states 'first printing' on the copyright page (Macmillan did not use a number line for this title at the time). Thick octavo, green cloth, about 972 pages, with map endpapers. First-state jacket priced on the front flap, with noted jacket variants (one printed in black, one in blue). Banned in several states, which fueled sales.
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. The US Macmillan first is the true first, a landmark precursor to the modern historical romance. It went on sale October 16, 1944; confirm the 'first printing' statement on the copyright page rather than relying on a date line.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The book reprinted constantly through 1944-45. Confirm the 'first printing' statement (later printings are so stated) and a priced first-state jacket. Book-club copies omit the price and may carry a blind stamp.
I have a first edition of Forever Amber — 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.