The points of issue
First issue, first state: imprint reads 'HARCOURT, BRACE AND HOWE' on the title page and spine (the firm was renamed Harcourt, Brace & Co. shortly after); 1920 on both title and copyright pages. Textual first-state points: a perfect, unbroken 'y' in the word 'May' on page 387, and an unbattered '54' in the page number on page 54. Blue cloth with orange lettering; first-issue dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
True US first; the US Harcourt edition precedes the UK Hodder & Stoughton edition. The 'Harcourt, Brace and Howe' imprint is the principal first-issue point.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition for the first. Later printings carry the 'Harcourt, Brace & Company' imprint.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Main Street a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First issue, first state: imprint reads 'HARCOURT, BRACE AND HOWE' on the title page and spine (the firm was renamed Harcourt, Brace & Co. shortly after); 1920 on both title and copyright pages. Textual first-state points: a perfect, unbroken 'y' in the word 'May' on page 387, and an unbattered '54' in the page number on page 54. Blue cloth with orange lettering; first-issue dust jacket.
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 US first; the US Harcourt edition precedes the UK Hodder & Stoughton edition. The 'Harcourt, Brace and Howe' imprint is the principal first-issue point.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition for the first. Later printings carry the 'Harcourt, Brace & Company' imprint.
I have a first edition of Main Street — 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.