The points of issue
True first published 1926 (Newbery Medal 1927). The title page is dated 1926 and the copyright page carries the Scribner seal/colophon with only three lines and no later-printing statement. A reliable text point: the typographical error 'hou gt' for 'thought' appears at the foot of page 44 in the first printing. Bound in green cloth with the title stamped in black and a horse head stamped in red on the front cover; illustrated by the author.
Is this the true first?
US true first (Scribner, New York). Will James illustrated it himself.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The September 1926 reprint and later printings add a 'Reprinted [month] 1926/1927' line on the copyright page; the first printing has none. Many listings labeled 'first edition' are in fact this stated September 1926 reprint, so verify the copyright page and the page-44 typo.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Smoky the Cowhorse a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first published 1926 (Newbery Medal 1927). The title page is dated 1926 and the copyright page carries the Scribner seal/colophon with only three lines and no later-printing statement. A reliable text point: the typographical error 'hou gt' for 'thought' appears at the foot of page 44 in the first printing. Bound in green cloth with the title stamped in black and a horse head stamped in red on the front cover; illustrated by the author.
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 true first (Scribner, New York). Will James illustrated it himself.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The September 1926 reprint and later printings add a 'Reprinted [month] 1926/1927' line on the copyright page; the first printing has none. Many listings labeled 'first edition' are in fact this stated September 1926 reprint, so verify the copyright page and the page-44 typo.
I have a first edition of Smoky the Cowhorse — 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.