The points of issue
Random House first edition of this NYPD novel, identified by 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page; the notation is removed on later printings.
Is this the true first?
US first edition; published by Random House. Dealers describe the first as 'First Edition; First Printing.'
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book-club edition exists and is offered as such by dealers; the BCE lacks the stated 'FIRST EDITION' line and typically has blind-stamp/board differences, so confirm the stated-first notation.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Signal Thirty-Two a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Random House first edition of this NYPD novel, identified by 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page; the notation is removed on later printings.
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 first edition; published by Random House. Dealers describe the first as 'First Edition; First Printing.'
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book-club edition exists and is offered as such by dealers; the BCE lacks the stated 'FIRST EDITION' line and typically has blind-stamp/board differences, so confirm the stated-first notation.
I have a first edition of Signal Thirty-Two — 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.