The points of issue
Rinehart & Company, 1952 — the pioneering fly-on-the-wall account of the making of John Huston's 'The Red Badge of Courage,' a landmark film/nonfiction book. First edition with the 1952 Rinehart imprint, no later-printing statement, and the original priced dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
The US Rinehart first is the true first; an under-recognized high spot of film and literary nonfiction.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings carry impression statements; verify the 1952 Rinehart first with its original priced jacket and no later-printing line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Picture a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Rinehart & Company, 1952 — the pioneering fly-on-the-wall account of the making of John Huston's 'The Red Badge of Courage,' a landmark film/nonfiction book. First edition with the 1952 Rinehart imprint, no later-printing statement, and the original priced dust jacket.
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. The US Rinehart first is the true first; an under-recognized high spot of film and literary nonfiction.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings carry impression statements; verify the 1952 Rinehart first with its original priced jacket and no later-printing line.
I have a first edition of Picture — 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.