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First-Edition Identification · John Irving

Is My The Cider House Rules a First Edition?

William Morrow, 1985

The points of issue

Morrow first printing: "First Trade Edition" stated on the copyright page with a full number line running down to 1; the unclipped jacket carries the printed price (jacket designed by Honi Werner). A signed limited edition was also issued.

Decode the printer’s key: paste the number line into the decoder · William Morrow first-edition guide.

Is this the true first?

The US Morrow edition is the true first.

Telling it from reprints & book-club editions

Book club issue: smaller, no number line, blind-stamp to the rear board, and no price printed on the jacket.

Frequently asked questions

Is my copy of The Cider House Rules a first edition?

Look for these first-edition points: Morrow first printing: "First Trade Edition" stated on the copyright page with a full number line running down to 1; the unclipped jacket carries the printed price (jacket designed by Honi Werner). A signed limited edition was also issued.

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 Morrow edition is the true first.

Is the book-club edition the same as the first?

Book club issue: smaller, no number line, blind-stamp to the rear board, and no price printed on the jacket.

I have a first edition of The Cider House Rules — 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.

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