The points of issue
Copyright page reads 'First published in 1975 by The Viking Press' with no later-printing statement; quarter cloth over boards in the first-issue printed jacket carrying the printed retail price on the front flap. 1976 Pulitzer winner.
Is this the true first?
The US Viking Press edition of 1975 is generally taken as the true first; the UK Secker & Warburg edition also appeared in 1975 but the Viking printing is conventionally treated as the first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club copies lack the printed jacket price and use a lighter binding; later printings add printing statements to the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Humboldt's Gift a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page reads 'First published in 1975 by The Viking Press' with no later-printing statement; quarter cloth over boards in the first-issue printed jacket carrying the printed retail price on the front flap. 1976 Pulitzer winner.
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 Viking Press edition of 1975 is generally taken as the true first; the UK Secker & Warburg edition also appeared in 1975 but the Viking printing is conventionally treated as the first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club copies lack the printed jacket price and use a lighter binding; later printings add printing statements to the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Humboldt's Gift — 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.