The points of issue
'First Printing' / 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page with the Random House imprint and no later printings. Dust jacket priced the printed price with the distinctive pram-silhouette design. First state has the original price and the 'First Edition' wording.
Is this the true first?
US Random House 1967 true first. UK Michael Joseph (1968) is first British. First state identified by the stated First Edition and unclipped the printed price jacket.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club: no 'First Edition' statement, rear-board blind-stamp indentation, no jacket price. The Random House stated-first wording separates trade from club.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Rosemary's Baby a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'First Printing' / 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page with the Random House imprint and no later printings. Dust jacket priced the printed price with the distinctive pram-silhouette design. First state has the original price and the 'First Edition' wording.
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 Random House 1967 true first. UK Michael Joseph (1968) is first British. First state identified by the stated First Edition and unclipped the printed price jacket.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club: no 'First Edition' statement, rear-board blind-stamp indentation, no jacket price. The Random House stated-first wording separates trade from club.
I have a first edition of Rosemary's Baby — 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.