The points of issue
Borzoi/Knopf copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION' with the publisher's number-line present and descending to a terminal '1'; Borzoi colophon. Quarter grey cloth over grey paper boards, silver spine lettering; dust jacket priced on the front flap. ISBN 0-394-53921-4. Moore's debut story collection. The terminal '1' in the number-line is decisive, because a later printing of the first edition can retain the words 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page while the number-line no longer reaches '1'.
Is this the true first?
The US Knopf hardcover (1985) is the true first. Later Plume/Vintage paperbacks are a first-thus, not the first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the number-line and the jacket flap price and run lighter in weight.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Self-Help a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Borzoi/Knopf copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION' with the publisher's number-line present and descending to a terminal '1'; Borzoi colophon. Quarter grey cloth over grey paper boards, silver spine lettering; dust jacket priced on the front flap. ISBN 0-394-53921-4. Moore's debut story collection. The terminal '1' in the number-line is decisive, because a later printing of the first edition can retain the words 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page while the number-line no longer reaches '1'.
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. The US Knopf hardcover (1985) is the true first. Later Plume/Vintage paperbacks are a first-thus, not the first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack the number-line and the jacket flap price and run lighter in weight.
I have a first edition of Self-Help — 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.