The points of issue
Harper & Row first, 1970. Copyright page (p. [iv]) states 'FIRST EDITION'; the descending number line '70 71 72 73 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' is printed on the LAST printed page (p. [202]), not on the copyright page. Both the 'FIRST EDITION' statement and the rear number line ending in 1 must be present. Binding: half fuchsia cloth with purple paper over boards, 201 pp. Issued in Harper's Joan Kahn 'Novel of Suspense' series; first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the upper front flap.
Is this the true first?
US Harper & Row (1970) is the true first; Hillerman's debut and the first Joe Leaphorn novel. The most sought Hillerman first, scarce in a fine jacket.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the flap price, are on cheaper/thinner boards, and typically lack the rear number line; many show a blind-stamped dot or depression on the rear board. Presence of both the 'FIRST EDITION' statement on the copyright page and the rear number line ending in 1 confirms the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Blessing Way a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Harper & Row first, 1970. Copyright page (p. [iv]) states 'FIRST EDITION'; the descending number line '70 71 72 73 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' is printed on the LAST printed page (p. [202]), not on the copyright page. Both the 'FIRST EDITION' statement and the rear number line ending in 1 must be present. Binding: half fuchsia cloth with purple paper over boards, 201 pp. Issued in Harper's Joan Kahn 'Novel of Suspense' series; first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the upper front flap.
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 & Row (1970) is the true first; Hillerman's debut and the first Joe Leaphorn novel. The most sought Hillerman first, scarce in a fine jacket.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack the flap price, are on cheaper/thinner boards, and typically lack the rear number line; many show a blind-stamped dot or depression on the rear board. Presence of both the 'FIRST EDITION' statement on the copyright page and the rear number line ending in 1 confirms the true first.
I have a first edition of The Blessing Way — 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.