The points of issue
US Harper first, 1950. Harper used a printer's code (a letter-pair) at the foot of the last text page denoting month/year of printing; the first printing carries the code for 1950. First-state dust jacket priced the printed price. Highsmith's debut novel.
Is this the true first?
US Harper 1950 is the true first, preceding the UK Cresset Press edition. The US first is the desirable copy; basis for Hitchcock's 1951 film.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book Club editions lack the Harper code on the last page and have a rear-board blind stamp. Confirm by the Harper printer's code denoting the earliest date and the priced first-state jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Strangers on a Train a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Harper first, 1950. Harper used a printer's code (a letter-pair) at the foot of the last text page denoting month/year of printing; the first printing carries the code for 1950. First-state dust jacket priced the printed price. Highsmith's debut novel.
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 Harper 1950 is the true first, preceding the UK Cresset Press edition. The US first is the desirable copy; basis for Hitchcock's 1951 film.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book Club editions lack the Harper code on the last page and have a rear-board blind stamp. Confirm by the Harper printer's code denoting the earliest date and the priced first-state jacket.
I have a first edition of Strangers on a Train — 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.