The points of issue
True first book edition is the 1914 A. C. McClurg HARDCOVER. The text first appeared in All-Story magazine (October 1912). First-issue points: McClurg 1914 with 'W. F. Hall' printer's imprint on the copyright page and the acorn device; the famous first-issue has specific binding and printer's-mark points documented in ERB bibliographies.
Is this the true first?
Caution: the magazine (All-Story, 1912) is the first text appearance; the 1914 McClurg is the first book edition; the Grosset & Dunlap reprints and later paperbacks are reprints.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Distinguish the McClurg first (W. F. Hall printer's imprint, acorn device) from the Grosset & Dunlap reprints (which lack the proper printer's imprint) and later paperbacks.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tarzan of the Apes a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first book edition is the 1914 A. C. McClurg HARDCOVER. The text first appeared in All-Story magazine (October 1912). First-issue points: McClurg 1914 with 'W. F. Hall' printer's imprint on the copyright page and the acorn device; the famous first-issue has specific binding and printer's-mark points documented in ERB bibliographies.
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. Caution: the magazine (All-Story, 1912) is the first text appearance; the 1914 McClurg is the first book edition; the Grosset & Dunlap reprints and later paperbacks are reprints.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Distinguish the McClurg first (W. F. Hall printer's imprint, acorn device) from the Grosset & Dunlap reprints (which lack the proper printer's imprint) and later paperbacks.
I have a first edition of Tarzan of the Apes — 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.