The points of issue
First edition published by Delacorte Press / Seymour Lawrence, New York, first printing dated 1 April 1970, 85 pages, designed by Andrew Hoyem (Grabhorn-Hoyem) and printed in San Francisco. Issued in pictorial paper-covered boards with matching dust jacket (cover photograph of Beverly Allen by Edmund Shea); a Delta trade paperback in illustrated wrappers was published simultaneously, also dated 1 April 1970.
Is this the true first?
True first is the 1970 Delacorte/Seymour Lawrence issue. The hardcover and the Delta wrappers issue were released simultaneously on 1 April 1970.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
None notable.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Rommel Drives On Deep into Egypt a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition published by Delacorte Press / Seymour Lawrence, New York, first printing dated 1 April 1970, 85 pages, designed by Andrew Hoyem (Grabhorn-Hoyem) and printed in San Francisco. Issued in pictorial paper-covered boards with matching dust jacket (cover photograph of Beverly Allen by Edmund Shea); a Delta trade paperback in illustrated wrappers was published simultaneously, also dated 1 April 1970.
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. True first is the 1970 Delacorte/Seymour Lawrence issue. The hardcover and the Delta wrappers issue were released simultaneously on 1 April 1970.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
None notable.
I have a first edition of Rommel Drives On Deep into Egypt — 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.