The points of issue
Walker's first story collection; first book appearance of 'Everyday Use.' Copyright page states First edition with the letter line B C D E. For Harcourt Brace Jovanovich in the 1973-1983 window the 'A' was deliberately omitted, so 'First edition / B C D E' is the correct first-printing state, not a later printing.
Is this the true first?
US HBJ 1973 is the true first. Key point: for Harcourt 1973-1983, a stated 'First edition' with the line 'B C D E' is the first printing.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings shorten the line to 'C D E', 'D E', and so on and drop the First edition statement; resold copies often lack the priced first-state jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Walker's first story collection; first book appearance of 'Everyday Use.' Copyright page states First edition with the letter line B C D E. For Harcourt Brace Jovanovich in the 1973-1983 window the 'A' was deliberately omitted, so 'First edition / B C D E' is the correct first-printing state, not a later printing.
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 HBJ 1973 is the true first. Key point: for Harcourt 1973-1983, a stated 'First edition' with the line 'B C D E' is the first printing.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings shorten the line to 'C D E', 'D E', and so on and drop the First edition statement; resold copies often lack the priced first-state jacket.
I have a first edition of In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women — 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.