# Is "The Bear and the Dragon" by Tom Clancy a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of The Bear and the Dragon by Tom Clancy (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2000) is identified by: Putnam's Sons, New York, 2000. The US G.P.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- US G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 2000. 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a complete number line running 1 through 10
- Bound in black boards with gilt lettering on the spine and front board; the first-issue dust jacket is black with red and gold lettering and should retain its printed front-flap price
- A separate signed limited edition was also issued in numbered copies, distinct from the trade first
- Publisher imprint reads G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Tom Clancy |
| Publisher | G.P. Putnam's Sons |
| Year | 2000 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | US G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 2000. 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
US G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 2000. 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a complete number line running 1 through 10. Bound in black boards with gilt lettering on the spine and front board; the first-issue dust jacket is black with red and gold lettering and should retain its printed front-flap price. A separate signed limited edition was also issued in numbered copies, distinct from the trade first.

## Is this the true first?
The US G.P. Putnam's Sons edition is the true first.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions lack the 'First Edition' statement and the complete 1-through-10 number line, and are typically printed on lighter bulk with a blind mark on the rear board.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *The Bear and the Dragon* by Tom Clancy a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/the-bear-and-the-dragon
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.