The points of issue
First printing has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page together with a Random House number line beginning with 2 (for example, 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9). Per Random House convention of this era the line does NOT contain a 1; a copy whose lowest number is 1 is not how the first issue is identified. First-issue dust jacket is unclipped. Foote's return to fiction.
Is this the true first?
US Random House is the true first; any UK edition follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the 'First Edition' statement and the number line, have no price on the jacket flap, and are typically smaller with a blind-stamp dot/depression on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of September September a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page together with a Random House number line beginning with 2 (for example, 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9). Per Random House convention of this era the line does NOT contain a 1; a copy whose lowest number is 1 is not how the first issue is identified. First-issue dust jacket is unclipped. Foote's return to fiction.
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 is the true first; any UK edition follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack the 'First Edition' statement and the number line, have no price on the jacket flap, and are typically smaller with a blind-stamp dot/depression on the rear board.
I have a first edition of September September — 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.