# Is "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Skipping Christmas by John Grisham (Doubleday, 2001) is identified by: The copyright page of the true first states 'First Edition' and carries the full Doubleday number line for a first printing. The 2001 US Doubleday hardcover is the true first.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- The copyright page of the true first states 'First Edition' and carries the full Doubleday number line for a first printing
- Doubleday's first-printing number line is non-sequential, typically running 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 rather than a simple descending line, so the 'First Edition' statement together with a complete, uncut line is the reliable point
- The volume is bound in off-white boards with a blue cloth spine lettered in silver; the first-issue dust jacket carries Andrew Davidson's snowy wood-engraving illustration under a design by John Fontana, with the printed price present on an unclipped jacket
- Publisher imprint reads Doubleday
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | John Grisham |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
| Year | 2001 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | The copyright page of the true first states 'First Edition' and carries the full… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
The copyright page of the true first states 'First Edition' and carries the full Doubleday number line for a first printing. Doubleday's first-printing number line is non-sequential, typically running 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 rather than a simple descending line, so the 'First Edition' statement together with a complete, uncut line is the reliable point. The volume is bound in off-white boards with a blue cloth spine lettered in silver; the first-issue dust jacket carries Andrew Davidson's snowy wood-engraving illustration under a design by John Fontana, with the printed price present on an unclipped jacket.

## Is this the true first?
The 2001 US Doubleday hardcover is the true first. A deluxe limited numbered edition was also issued and is a separate, distinguishable state; the trade first is the 'First Edition'–stated Doubleday hardcover.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions omit the 'First Edition' statement and the number line, are printed on cheaper bulked-up stock, and typically bear a small blindstamp or dot on the rear board; they also lack the printed price on the jacket.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Skipping Christmas* by John Grisham a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/skipping-christmas
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.