The points of issue
Doubleday first edition, copyright 1973. The reliable point of issue is the stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page; on Doubleday books of this era that statement appears only on first printings (it is dropped on later printings), often accompanied by a Doubleday letter/week dating code. Do not rely on a descending number line, since Doubleday did not consistently use one in this period. Williams's debut novel and a 1974 National Book Award for Fiction finalist. Uncorrected proofs exist and are prized.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday hardcover (1973) is the true first. The later Vintage Contemporaries paperback (ISBN 0-679-72619-5) is a first-thus, not the first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Doubleday book-club editions of this era are identified by a blind-stamped dot or square on the lower rear board, a smaller and lighter format, and absence of a printed jacket price (the price is replaced by a club code).
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of State of Grace a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Doubleday first edition, copyright 1973. The reliable point of issue is the stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page; on Doubleday books of this era that statement appears only on first printings (it is dropped on later printings), often accompanied by a Doubleday letter/week dating code. Do not rely on a descending number line, since Doubleday did not consistently use one in this period. Williams's debut novel and a 1974 National Book Award for Fiction finalist. Uncorrected proofs exist and are prized.
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 Doubleday hardcover (1973) is the true first. The later Vintage Contemporaries paperback (ISBN 0-679-72619-5) is a first-thus, not the first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Doubleday book-club editions of this era are identified by a blind-stamped dot or square on the lower rear board, a smaller and lighter format, and absence of a printed jacket price (the price is replaced by a club code).
I have a first edition of State of Grace — 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.