The points of issue
States 'First printing' on the copyright page; first-state trade dust jacket priced and unclipped. Full black cloth lettered in gilt with orange top stain.
Is this the true first?
True first is the 1979 Delacorte Press / Seymour Lawrence trade hardcover (published September 1979). The Franklin Library Signed First Edition Society issue (1979, full green leather, all edges gilt, no jacket as issued, illustrated by Alan E. Cober) is a collectible parallel state; its 'Special Message' leaf carries the author's signature.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club edition is blind-stamped and lacks the jacket price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Jailbird a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: States 'First printing' on the copyright page; first-state trade dust jacket priced and unclipped. Full black cloth lettered in gilt with orange top stain.
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. True first is the 1979 Delacorte Press / Seymour Lawrence trade hardcover (published September 1979). The Franklin Library Signed First Edition Society issue (1979, full green leather, all edges gilt, no jacket as issued, illustrated by Alan E. Cober) is a collectible parallel state; its 'Special Me
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club edition is blind-stamped and lacks the jacket price.
I have a first edition of Jailbird — 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.