The points of issue
First printing states 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page with no later-printing statement. Color pictorial boards; illustrations by John Schoenherr. First-state jacket retains the original printed price on the flap and does NOT bear the Newbery Medal seal.
Is this the true first?
US Harper & Row 1972 is the true first. Winner of the 1973 Newbery Medal, so the seal is a later jacket point.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions add the Newbery seal, are unpriced, and may carry a blind-stamp. Note that Harper & Row sometimes left the 'First Edition' statement on later printings of this period, so confirm there is no reprint statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Julie of the Wolves a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing states 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page with no later-printing statement. Color pictorial boards; illustrations by John Schoenherr. First-state jacket retains the original printed price on the flap and does NOT bear the Newbery Medal seal.
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 Harper & Row 1972 is the true first. Winner of the 1973 Newbery Medal, so the seal is a later jacket point.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions add the Newbery seal, are unpriced, and may carry a blind-stamp. Note that Harper & Row sometimes left the 'First Edition' statement on later printings of this period, so confirm there is no reprint statement.
I have a first edition of Julie of the Wolves — 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.