The points of issue
First printing is identified by First printing stated on the copyright page with no later printings listed. Delacorte of this era used a stated First printing line rather than a number row.
Is this the true first?
US Delacorte edition is the true first. The UK first was published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in 1975 (corrected from New English Library, which issued the later UK paperback rather than the first hardcover).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book club printing exists; it lacks the First printing statement and is typically identified by a blind-stamped mark on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Nightwork a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing is identified by First printing stated on the copyright page with no later printings listed. Delacorte of this era used a stated First printing line rather than a number row.
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 Delacorte edition is the true first. The UK first was published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in 1975 (corrected from New English Library, which issued the later UK paperback rather than the first hardcover).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book club printing exists; it lacks the First printing statement and is typically identified by a blind-stamped mark on the rear board.
I have a first edition of Nightwork — 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.