The points of issue
First printing of the long narrative poem, written as a preliminary to a screenplay for a television series on Moses. Issued in 1976 by Stonehill in New York and by Dempsey & Squires in London. The two carry different identifiers (the Stonehill issue and the Dempsey & Squires London issue are distinct printings).
Is this the true first?
Two 1976 issues appeared close together: Stonehill in New York (US) and Dempsey & Squires in London (UK). Precedence between them is not firmly established in available sources, with at least one source describing near-simultaneous publication. Collectors should treat both 1976 issues as candidate firsts rather than assuming one preceded the other.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue identified.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Moses: A Narrative a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the long narrative poem, written as a preliminary to a screenplay for a television series on Moses. Issued in 1976 by Stonehill in New York and by Dempsey & Squires in London. The two carry different identifiers (the Stonehill issue and the Dempsey & Squires London issue are distinct printings).
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. Two 1976 issues appeared close together: Stonehill in New York (US) and Dempsey & Squires in London (UK). Precedence between them is not firmly established in available sources, with at least one source describing near-simultaneous publication. Collectors should treat both 1976 issues as candidate f
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue identified.
I have a first edition of Moses: A Narrative — 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.