The points of issue
L'Amour's first published book and his only poetry collection, issued by Lusk Publishing Company, Oklahoma City, in 1939. The first edition states First Edition at the foot of the title page. Bound in grey cloth lettered in black, sixty-two pages. The dust jacket is rare in any condition. Identify by the Lusk imprint, the 1939 date, and the stated First Edition on the title page.
Is this the true first?
This is the true first L'Amour book of any kind and his only volume of poetry, far scarcer than any of his Westerns and the cornerstone of a deep L'Amour collection.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club or reprint confusion of note; the rarity is the original 1939 Lusk printing itself. The byline reads Louis L'Amour, not an early name form such as LaMoore, so do not expect a variant spelling on this title.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Smoke from This Altar a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: L'Amour's first published book and his only poetry collection, issued by Lusk Publishing Company, Oklahoma City, in 1939. The first edition states First Edition at the foot of the title page. Bound in grey cloth lettered in black, sixty-two pages. The dust jacket is rare in any condition. Identify by the Lusk imprint, the 1939 date, and the stated First Edition on the title page.
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. This is the true first L'Amour book of any kind and his only volume of poetry, far scarcer than any of his Westerns and the cornerstone of a deep L'Amour collection.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club or reprint confusion of note; the rarity is the original 1939 Lusk printing itself. The byline reads Louis L'Amour, not an early name form such as LaMoore, so do not expect a variant spelling on this title.
I have a first edition of Smoke from This Altar — 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.