The points of issue
First edition, first printing: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York, 1957. Title page dated 1957 with no later printing statement on the copyright page. Red cloth boards with black stars on the front and spine; illustrated by Peter Burchard. First-issue jacket carries no Newbery Medal seal (the Medal was awarded in 1958).
Is this the true first?
US true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1958.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Crowell printed multiple printings in 1957; later printings add a printing statement to the copyright page. Post-award jackets carry the Newbery seal.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Rifles for Watie a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York, 1957. Title page dated 1957 with no later printing statement on the copyright page. Red cloth boards with black stars on the front and spine; illustrated by Peter Burchard. First-issue jacket carries no Newbery Medal seal (the Medal was awarded in 1958).
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 true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1958.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Crowell printed multiple printings in 1957; later printings add a printing statement to the copyright page. Post-award jackets carry the Newbery seal.
I have a first edition of Rifles for Watie — 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.