The points of issue
'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page with the Borzoi/Knopf colophon and no additional printings noted. Dust jacket priced the printed price, designed with the distinctive photographic/portrait jacket; jacket spine carries the Borzoi device. First state has 'First Edition' and no number line beyond the statement.
Is this the true first?
US Knopf 1976 true first (Rice's debut). UK Macdonald & Jane's / Raven (1976/77) is first British. First state told by the stated 'First Edition' and unclipped the printed price jacket.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions omit 'First Edition', have the rear-board blind-stamp indentation, cheaper boards, and a jacket with no printed price. The stated 'First Edition' line is the key separator.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Interview with the Vampire a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page with the Borzoi/Knopf colophon and no additional printings noted. Dust jacket priced the printed price, designed with the distinctive photographic/portrait jacket; jacket spine carries the Borzoi device. First state has 'First Edition' and no number line beyond the statement.
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 Knopf 1976 true first (Rice's debut). UK Macdonald & Jane's / Raven (1976/77) is first British. First state told by the stated 'First Edition' and unclipped the printed price jacket.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions omit 'First Edition', have the rear-board blind-stamp indentation, cheaper boards, and a jacket with no printed price. The stated 'First Edition' line is the key separator.
I have a first edition of Interview with the Vampire — 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.