The points of issue
First edition, Rariora Press, New York, 1930, limited to 1,000 numbered copies which constituted the entire edition (no trade printing). Illustrated by Alexander Couard, printed from Caslon type on Utopian laid paper, bound in blue buckram with gilt spine lettering. A boxing novel; Caldwell's second book.
Is this the true first?
US first edition; the limited 1,000-copy printing is the only original edition, making it scarce.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition and no separate trade edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Poor Fool a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Rariora Press, New York, 1930, limited to 1,000 numbered copies which constituted the entire edition (no trade printing). Illustrated by Alexander Couard, printed from Caslon type on Utopian laid paper, bound in blue buckram with gilt spine lettering. A boxing novel; Caldwell's second book.
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 first edition; the limited 1,000-copy printing is the only original edition, making it scarce.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition and no separate trade edition.
I have a first edition of Poor Fool — 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.