The points of issue
Random House first printing: "First Edition" stated on the copyright page together with a number line whose lowest number is 2 (Random House's house practice of dropping the 1 from the line on first printings). The unclipped jacket carries the printed price. Irving's first novel and his scarcest trade first edition; genuine firsts in a fine, unclipped jacket are uncommon.
Is this the true first?
The US Random House edition is the true first. No UK edition appeared until after the success of Garp, so the British issue follows by roughly a decade and has no precedence.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings and paperbacks lack the "First Edition" statement, and the number line will not retain a 2 as its lowest figure. Confirm both the statement and the number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Setting Free the Bears a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Random House first printing: "First Edition" stated on the copyright page together with a number line whose lowest number is 2 (Random House's house practice of dropping the 1 from the line on first printings). The unclipped jacket carries the printed price. Irving's first novel and his scarcest trade first edition; genuine firsts in a fine, unclipped jacket are uncommon.
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 Random House edition is the true first. No UK edition appeared until after the success of Garp, so the British issue follows by roughly a decade and has no precedence.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings and paperbacks lack the "First Edition" statement, and the number line will not retain a 2 as its lowest figure. Confirm both the statement and the number line.
I have a first edition of Setting Free the Bears — 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.