The points of issue
First edition, first printing: Harper & Row, New York, 1963. The primary point is the words FIRST EDITION printed on the copyright page. Harper of this era also carries a two-letter code on the copyright page in which the second letter denotes the year of printing (the year letter for 1963 is N); on a true first this code corresponds to 1963. Illustrated by Emil Weiss. Copyright 1963 by Emily Neville.
Is this the true first?
US true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1964.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
On later printings the stated First Edition is removed and the copyright-page year code advances to a later year letter. Book-club and library reprints lack the stated First Edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of It's Like This, Cat a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing: Harper & Row, New York, 1963. The primary point is the words FIRST EDITION printed on the copyright page. Harper of this era also carries a two-letter code on the copyright page in which the second letter denotes the year of printing (the year letter for 1963 is N); on a true first this code corresponds to 1963. Illustrated by Emil Weiss. Copyright 1963 by Emily Neville.
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 true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1964.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
On later printings the stated First Edition is removed and the copyright-page year code advances to a later year letter. Book-club and library reprints lack the stated First Edition.
I have a first edition of It's Like This, Cat — 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.