The points of issue
Copyright page reads 'First Edition' followed by the letter line A B C D E. The decisive textual point: the first printing misspells the protagonist's surname as 'Miyomoto' throughout the text and on the jacket, corrected to 'Miyamoto' in later printings. Gray paper over boards quarter-bound in white cloth with silver spine lettering; first-issue jacket carries the printed price and makes no award mention.
Is this the true first?
The US Harcourt Brace hardcover of 1994 is the true first edition. It won the 1995 PEN/Faulkner Award. Later printings add awards to the jacket and correct the Miyamoto spelling.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club edition lacks the 'First Edition' line and letter string, is smaller, blind-stamped on the rear board, with an unpriced jacket marked Book Club Edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Snow Falling on Cedars a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page reads 'First Edition' followed by the letter line A B C D E. The decisive textual point: the first printing misspells the protagonist's surname as 'Miyomoto' throughout the text and on the jacket, corrected to 'Miyamoto' in later printings. Gray paper over boards quarter-bound in white cloth with silver spine lettering; first-issue jacket carries the printed price and makes no award mention.
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 Harcourt Brace hardcover of 1994 is the true first edition. It won the 1995 PEN/Faulkner Award. Later printings add awards to the jacket and correct the Miyamoto spelling.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club edition lacks the 'First Edition' line and letter string, is smaller, blind-stamped on the rear board, with an unpriced jacket marked Book Club Edition.
I have a first edition of Snow Falling on Cedars — 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.