The points of issue
Naylor's second novel. Ticknor & Fields, New York, 1985. The dust jacket was designed and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg (a confirmed and notable point). The first printing is identified by the printing statement on the copyright page; a true first carries the original unclipped jacket. Confirm the copyright page shows no later-printing indication.
Is this the true first?
US Ticknor & Fields 1985 is the true first edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A licensed book-club edition is a separate printing, typically smaller, lacking the publisher's printing statement and often blind-stamped on the rear board with no price on the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Linden Hills a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Naylor's second novel. Ticknor & Fields, New York, 1985. The dust jacket was designed and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg (a confirmed and notable point). The first printing is identified by the printing statement on the copyright page; a true first carries the original unclipped jacket. Confirm the copyright page shows no later-printing indication.
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 Ticknor & Fields 1985 is the true first edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A licensed book-club edition is a separate printing, typically smaller, lacking the publisher's printing statement and often blind-stamped on the rear board with no price on the jacket.
I have a first edition of Linden Hills — 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.