# Is "Oral History" by Lee Smith a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Oral History by Lee Smith (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1983) is identified by: Putnam first-printing convention of the period (1960 to 1988): the first printing carries NO later-printing statement on the copyright page; reprints add 'second impression,' etc. The US G.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Putnam first-printing convention of the period (1960 to 1988): the first printing carries NO later-printing statement on the copyright page; reprints add 'second impression,' etc
- There is no number line on a 1983 Putnam first (Putnam number lines began only around 1989)
- First-issue jacket priced on the front flap
- Her breakthrough novel
- Publisher imprint reads G. P. Putnam's Sons
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Lee Smith |
| Publisher | G. P. Putnam's Sons |
| Year | 1983 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Putnam first-printing convention of the period (1960 to 1988): the first printing carries NO later-printing statement on the copyright… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Putnam first-printing convention of the period (1960 to 1988): the first printing carries NO later-printing statement on the copyright page; reprints add 'second impression,' etc. There is no number line on a 1983 Putnam first (Putnam number lines began only around 1989). First-issue jacket priced on the front flap. Her breakthrough novel.

## Is this the true first?
The US G. P. Putnam's Sons edition is the true first; the UK edition follows.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Oral History was a Book-of-the-Month Club featured selection; the club edition is typically identified by a blind-stamp on the rear board and a jacket lacking the flap price. Distinguish the trade first from the club issue carefully.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Oral History* by Lee Smith a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/oral-history
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.