The points of issue
First edition, first printing by The Atlantic Monthly Press, New York, 1987, identified by the words First Edition and First Printing on the copyright page; a collection of ten stories. The printed price is present on the jacket flap.
Is this the true first?
US Atlantic Monthly Press is the true first; UK Collins Harvill follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No significant book-club edition; later printings note the later printing on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Rock Springs a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing by The Atlantic Monthly Press, New York, 1987, identified by the words First Edition and First Printing on the copyright page; a collection of ten stories. The printed price is present on the jacket flap.
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 Atlantic Monthly Press is the true first; UK Collins Harvill follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No significant book-club edition; later printings note the later printing on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Rock Springs — 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.