The points of issue
The true first edition of Hondo signed first by Louis L'Amour is identified by: Fawcett Gold Medal 1953 paperback original.
Commonly confused with
Book-club editions and later printings reprint the text but are not the first edition and are far less collectible. Use the points above to be certain — see book-club edition vs. first edition.
Where it sits
Hondo signed first is a Tier 3 (mid-to-upper three-figure) title in the New Mexico Book Value Index. L'Amour's 1953 Fawcett Gold Medal paperback original is the key Western collectible.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Hondo signed first a first edition?
Look for these first-printing points: Fawcett Gold Medal 1953 paperback original Later printings and book-club editions lack them.
How do I tell a first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention, and confirm the named point of issue above. A number line, stated edition, or dated first printing is the key.
Is a book-club edition the same as a first edition?
No. Book-club editions (BCE) reprint the text but are not the true first edition and are far less collectible. Check the points of issue above to be sure.
I have a first edition of Hondo signed first — what should I do with it?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque in any condition and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. If you'd rather sell, see the Louis L'Amour collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.