The points of issue
"First Edition" stated on the copyright page. First-state dust jacket carries the original printed price and lacks the later library-recommendation box on the lower front flap. Story collection.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday first edition, 1962. Collects seventeen stories; two appear in book form here for the first time.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book Club editions lack the "First Edition" statement and carry the club blind stamp.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of R Is for Rocket a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: "First Edition" stated on the copyright page. First-state dust jacket carries the original printed price and lacks the later library-recommendation box on the lower front flap. Story collection.
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 Doubleday first edition, 1962. Collects seventeen stories; two appear in book form here for the first time.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book Club editions lack the "First Edition" statement and carry the club blind stamp.
I have a first edition of R Is for Rocket — 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.