The points of issue
'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page. Bound in green cloth, titles to spine in gilt, publisher's device blind-stamped to the front cover, top edge stained blue, fore-edge untrimmed. First-issue dust jacket carries the printed price to the upper inside front flap.
Is this the true first?
US Knopf (1941) is the true first and precedes the UK Hale edition (1943).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book-club edition exists (blind-stamp to rear board, no price on the jacket, lighter bulk). Later film tie-in reprints are common.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Mildred Pierce a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page. Bound in green cloth, titles to spine in gilt, publisher's device blind-stamped to the front cover, top edge stained blue, fore-edge untrimmed. First-issue dust jacket carries the printed price to the upper inside front flap.
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 Knopf (1941) is the true first and precedes the UK Hale edition (1943).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book-club edition exists (blind-stamp to rear board, no price on the jacket, lighter bulk). Later film tie-in reprints are common.
I have a first edition of Mildred Pierce — 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.