The points of issue
Delacorte Press first printing, 1990: copyright page with the number line descending to 1 (first printing). Dust jacket priced the printed price. A peak Leonard crime title.
Is this the true first?
US Delacorte 1990 is the true first, preceding the UK Viking edition. The US first with full number line is the collectible; signed copies sought.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book Club Edition has a rear-board blind stamp, no jacket price, and reduced size; lacks the full number line. Confirm trade first by priced jacket and line ending in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Get Shorty a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Delacorte Press first printing, 1990: copyright page with the number line descending to 1 (first printing). Dust jacket priced the printed price. A peak Leonard crime title.
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 Delacorte 1990 is the true first, preceding the UK Viking edition. The US first with full number line is the collectible; signed copies sought.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book Club Edition has a rear-board blind stamp, no jacket price, and reduced size; lacks the full number line. Confirm trade first by priced jacket and line ending in 1.
I have a first edition of Get Shorty — 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.