The points of issue
First printing is identified by the words First printing stated on the copyright page, with no later printings listed. Delacorte of this era used a stated First printing line rather than a number row. Issued in red cloth boards with gilt spine lettering in a dust jacket carrying the original price.
Is this the true first?
US Delacorte edition is the true first. The UK first followed from Weidenfeld and Nicolson, also 1970.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club printings (Book-of-the-Month Club and Literary Guild) are common and lack the First printing statement; they are typically identified by a blind-stamped dot or square on the rear board and a dust jacket with no printed price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Rich Man, Poor Man a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing is identified by the words First printing stated on the copyright page, with no later printings listed. Delacorte of this era used a stated First printing line rather than a number row. Issued in red cloth boards with gilt spine lettering in a dust jacket carrying the original price.
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 Delacorte edition is the true first. The UK first followed from Weidenfeld and Nicolson, also 1970.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club printings (Book-of-the-Month Club and Literary Guild) are common and lack the First printing statement; they are typically identified by a blind-stamped dot or square on the rear board and a dust jacket with no printed price.
I have a first edition of Rich Man, Poor Man — 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.