The points of issue
True first is the 1938 Vanguard Press edition with the Vanguard imprint and no later printings stated. Red cloth-backed spine with illustrated black paper boards, illustrated endpapers, interior in black and white with Bartholomew's hat in red. First-issue jacket is priced 1.50 on the front flap and advertises Mulberry Street at 1.00 at the foot of the rear flap, with a single hat on the back panel. Endpaper states are noted by collectors (large versus small hats on the pastedowns).
Is this the true first?
The US Vanguard Press 1938 edition is the true first; later copies bearing the Random House imprint are reprints.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Random House-imprint copies and club editions are reprints; only the 1938 Vanguard issue is the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the 1938 Vanguard Press edition with the Vanguard imprint and no later printings stated. Red cloth-backed spine with illustrated black paper boards, illustrated endpapers, interior in black and white with Bartholomew's hat in red. First-issue jacket is priced 1.50 on the front flap and advertises Mulberry Street at 1.00 at the foot of the rear flap, with a single hat on the back panel. Endpaper states are noted by collectors (large versus small hats on the pastedowns).
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 Vanguard Press 1938 edition is the true first; later copies bearing the Random House imprint are reprints.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Random House-imprint copies and club editions are reprints; only the 1938 Vanguard issue is the true first.
I have a first edition of The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins — 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.