The points of issue
First edition, first issue: Harper code 'A-F' (i.e., letter code 'A' indicating January 1956 first printing) on the copyright page — Harper used a two-character code where the first letter is the printing (A = first) and following letters/numerals the year. First-issue dust jacket priced the printed price. Original cloth.
Is this the true first?
US Harper & Brothers 1956 is the true first. Inscribed/signed copies (especially as senator, pre-presidency) carry very large premiums and are heavily faked — provenance and authentic signatures matter. The Harper letter code 'A' is the key first-printing point.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions lack the Harper 'A' first-printing code, have a blind BOMC board dot, are slightly smaller, and carry an unpriced jacket. The Inaugural/Memorial editions are later.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Profiles in Courage a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first issue: Harper code 'A-F' (i.e., letter code 'A' indicating January 1956 first printing) on the copyright page — Harper used a two-character code where the first letter is the printing (A = first) and following letters/numerals the year. First-issue dust jacket priced the printed price. Original cloth.
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 Harper & Brothers 1956 is the true first. Inscribed/signed copies (especially as senator, pre-presidency) carry very large premiums and are heavily faked — provenance and authentic signatures matter. The Harper letter code 'A' is the key first-printing point.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club editions lack the Harper 'A' first-printing code, have a blind BOMC board dot, are slightly smaller, and carry an unpriced jacket. The Inaugural/Memorial editions are later.
I have a first edition of Profiles in Courage — 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.