The points of issue
Putnam first printing: copyright page with no later-printing statement (per Putnam's practice; first state shows no number-line indicating a later printing). First-state dust jacket priced the printed price. First appearance of Hannibal Lecter (spelled 'Lecter' in the book).
Is this the true first?
US Putnam 1981 is the true first, preceding the UK Bodley Head edition (1981). The US first is the collected copy.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book Club Edition has the rear-board blind stamp, no jacket price, and smaller dimensions. Confirm trade first by the printed priced jacket and Putnam first-printing indicia.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Red Dragon a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Putnam first printing: copyright page with no later-printing statement (per Putnam's practice; first state shows no number-line indicating a later printing). First-state dust jacket priced the printed price. First appearance of Hannibal Lecter (spelled 'Lecter' in the 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 Putnam 1981 is the true first, preceding the UK Bodley Head edition (1981). The US first is the collected copy.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book Club Edition has the rear-board blind stamp, no jacket price, and smaller dimensions. Confirm trade first by the printed priced jacket and Putnam first-printing indicia.
I have a first edition of Red Dragon — 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.