The points of issue
Erdrich's first book (poetry). Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1984 (ISBN 0-03-068682-2), a trade paperback original issued in stiff pictorial wrappers with cover design by David Gatti; 85 pp. Confirm the 1984 first-printing state and absence of later printing statements.
Is this the true first?
US Holt 1984 trade paperback original is the true first. It was issued only in wrappers; there is no clothbound or hardcover first edition of Jacklight.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club issue. Distinguish later printings by added printing lines; the first is a paperback original, so do not expect a hardcover.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Jacklight a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Erdrich's first book (poetry). Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1984 (ISBN 0-03-068682-2), a trade paperback original issued in stiff pictorial wrappers with cover design by David Gatti; 85 pp. Confirm the 1984 first-printing state and absence of later printing statements.
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 Holt 1984 trade paperback original is the true first. It was issued only in wrappers; there is no clothbound or hardcover first edition of Jacklight.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club issue. Distinguish later printings by added printing lines; the first is a paperback original, so do not expect a hardcover.
I have a first edition of Jacklight — 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.