The points of issue
US St. Martin's Press first, 1958 (title 'Anatomy of a Murder'): first printing carries the St. Martin's imprint with the 1958 date and no later-printing statement. A landmark courtroom novel by Robert Traver, pen name of Michigan Supreme Court justice John D. Voelker; basis for the 1959 Otto Preminger film. Jacket priced for 1958.
Is this the true first?
US St. Martin's Press 1958 is the true first; the UK Faber edition is a first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-of-the-Month Club editions are common, lack the jacket price, and typically show a blind-stamp or dot on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Anatomy of a Murder a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US St. Martin's Press first, 1958 (title 'Anatomy of a Murder'): first printing carries the St. Martin's imprint with the 1958 date and no later-printing statement. A landmark courtroom novel by Robert Traver, pen name of Michigan Supreme Court justice John D. Voelker; basis for the 1959 Otto Preminger film. Jacket priced for 1958.
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 St. Martin's Press 1958 is the true first; the UK Faber edition is a first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-of-the-Month Club editions are common, lack the jacket price, and typically show a blind-stamp or dot on the rear board.
I have a first edition of The Anatomy of a Murder — 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.