The points of issue
US St. Martin's Press first edition, January 1984; first printing has the full descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. Black cloth with gilt spine lettering; first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap, jacket design by Walter Harper. Octavo, 191 pp. (Ahearn ref. APG 018a.)
Is this the true first?
US St. Martin's (1984) is the true first — the first Hoke Moseley novel and the book that revived Willeford's career. UK editions follow.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club edition lacks the printed price on the flap, typically lacks the full number line to 1, and is on lighter bulked paper; many show a blind-stamped dot or depression on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Miami Blues a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US St. Martin's Press first edition, January 1984; first printing has the full descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. Black cloth with gilt spine lettering; first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap, jacket design by Walter Harper. Octavo, 191 pp. (Ahearn ref. APG 018a.)
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 St. Martin's (1984) is the true first — the first Hoke Moseley novel and the book that revived Willeford's career. UK editions follow.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club edition lacks the printed price on the flap, typically lacks the full number line to 1, and is on lighter bulked paper; many show a blind-stamped dot or depression on the rear board.
I have a first edition of Miami Blues — 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.