The points of issue
Borzoi/Knopf copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION' with the number-line descending to a terminal '1'; Borzoi colophon. White paper boards with a grey cloth spine, silver lettering on the front cover and spine; priced dust jacket (spine of the jacket is commonly sunned/darkened). ISBN 0-394-53993-1. Hempel's debut collection (contains 'In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson Is Buried').
Is this the true first?
The US Knopf hardcover (1985) is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the number-line and the jacket flap price and are lighter in weight.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Reasons to Live a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Borzoi/Knopf copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION' with the number-line descending to a terminal '1'; Borzoi colophon. White paper boards with a grey cloth spine, silver lettering on the front cover and spine; priced dust jacket (spine of the jacket is commonly sunned/darkened). ISBN 0-394-53993-1. Hempel's debut collection (contains 'In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson Is Buried').
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 Knopf hardcover (1985) is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack the number-line and the jacket flap price and are lighter in weight.
I have a first edition of Reasons to Live — 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.