The points of issue
Doubleday first states 'First Edition' on the copyright page (no number line in this era); the first edition, second impression lacks the 'First Edition' statement. Blue cloth with illustrated endpapers; first-issue dust jacket carries the printed price. A finer jacket point: the first-issue rear panel reads 'The City Boy' (an earlier Wouk title), while the later jacket state reads 'City Boy.'
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday 1951 true first; the 1952 Pulitzer winner. 'First Edition' on the copyright page is required, with the rear-panel 'The City Boy' reading distinguishing the earliest jacket.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club copies carry a blind-stamp on the rear board, lack 'First Edition,' and the jacket lacks the printed price. The title is very common in book-club format.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Caine Mutiny a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Doubleday first states 'First Edition' on the copyright page (no number line in this era); the first edition, second impression lacks the 'First Edition' statement. Blue cloth with illustrated endpapers; first-issue dust jacket carries the printed price. A finer jacket point: the first-issue rear panel reads 'The City Boy' (an earlier Wouk title), while the later jacket state reads 'City Boy.'
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 Doubleday 1951 true first; the 1952 Pulitzer winner. 'First Edition' on the copyright page is required, with the rear-panel 'The City Boy' reading distinguishing the earliest jacket.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club copies carry a blind-stamp on the rear board, lack 'First Edition,' and the jacket lacks the printed price. The title is very common in book-club format.
I have a first edition of The Caine Mutiny — 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.