The points of issue
First edition has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page (Harcourt's 1940s practice; the statement is removed on later printings, no number line in this era). Binding is grey cloth stamped in dark blue at the spine; first-issue dust jacket carries the printed price and is unclipped.
Is this the true first?
US Harcourt, Brace 1948 true first; the 1949 Pulitzer winner. The point is the stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings remove the 'First Edition' statement. Reprints and book-club copies are marked accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Guard of Honor a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page (Harcourt's 1940s practice; the statement is removed on later printings, no number line in this era). Binding is grey cloth stamped in dark blue at the spine; first-issue dust jacket carries the printed price and is unclipped.
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 Harcourt, Brace 1948 true first; the 1949 Pulitzer winner. The point is the stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings remove the 'First Edition' statement. Reprints and book-club copies are marked accordingly.
I have a first edition of Guard of Honor — 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.