The points of issue
The true first edition of House of Houses signed first by Pat Mora is identified by: Beacon Press 1997, family memoir.
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
House of Houses signed first is a Tier 4 (entry-level to mid three-figure) title in the New Mexico Book Value Index. Mora's 1997 family memoir is a key Mexican-American New Mexico work.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of House of Houses signed first a first edition?
Look for these first-printing points: Beacon Press 1997, family memoir 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 House of Houses 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 Pat Mora collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.