The points of issue
US Coward, McCann & Geoghegan hardcover, 1979. Coward-McCann firsts of this period are identified by the absence of any later-printing statement on the copyright page rather than by a printed number line, so a true first shows no added printing notice. The dust jacket carries its printed price on the front flap.
Is this the true first?
The US Coward, McCann & Geoghegan edition (1979) is the true first and precedes the UK Jonathan Cape edition (a reversal from Straub's earlier UK-first titles). Underwood-Miller later issued a signed limited edition, which is a first thus rather than the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions are smaller and lighter, lack the printed jacket price, and typically carry a blind-stamp on the rear board. Confirm a first by the priced jacket and the absence of any later-printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Ghost Story a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Coward, McCann & Geoghegan hardcover, 1979. Coward-McCann firsts of this period are identified by the absence of any later-printing statement on the copyright page rather than by a printed number line, so a true first shows no added printing notice. The dust jacket carries its printed price on the front flap.
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 Coward, McCann & Geoghegan edition (1979) is the true first and precedes the UK Jonathan Cape edition (a reversal from Straub's earlier UK-first titles). Underwood-Miller later issued a signed limited edition, which is a first thus rather than the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions are smaller and lighter, lack the printed jacket price, and typically carry a blind-stamp on the rear board. Confirm a first by the priced jacket and the absence of any later-printing statement.
I have a first edition of Ghost Story — 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.