The points of issue
Lethem's debut novel, Harcourt Brace & Company, 1994 (ISBN 0-15-136458-3). The copyright page states 'First edition' and carries Harcourt's descending alphabetic letter line; the true first must show the terminal 'A'. Binding is quarter green cloth over beige paper boards with orange spine lettering, in the original price-bearing dust jacket whose art is intentionally designed to appear worn or torn.
Is this the true first?
The US Harcourt Brace 1994 hardcover is the true first. Because some later printings retain the 'First edition' statement, the terminal 'A' on the letter line is the decisive point. Signed copies exist; no issued limited edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club issues lack the price on the jacket flap, typically show a blind-stamp dot to the rear board and no letter line; the later Harvest trade paperback is not a first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Gun, with Occasional Music a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Lethem's debut novel, Harcourt Brace & Company, 1994 (ISBN 0-15-136458-3). The copyright page states 'First edition' and carries Harcourt's descending alphabetic letter line; the true first must show the terminal 'A'. Binding is quarter green cloth over beige paper boards with orange spine lettering, in the original price-bearing dust jacket whose art is intentionally designed to appear worn or torn.
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 Harcourt Brace 1994 hardcover is the true first. Because some later printings retain the 'First edition' statement, the terminal 'A' on the letter line is the decisive point. Signed copies exist; no issued limited edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club issues lack the price on the jacket flap, typically show a blind-stamp dot to the rear board and no letter line; the later Harvest trade paperback is not a first.
I have a first edition of Gun, with Occasional Music — 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.