The points of issue
Knopf, New York, 1972. The true first states 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page with the Knopf borzoi colophon; green cloth lettered in gilt. Tyler's fourth novel and among the scarcer early firsts in a fine first-issue jacket.
Is this the true first?
US Knopf 1972 is the true first. The UK Chatto & Windus edition followed in 1973, so the US edition precedes.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the stated 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page and the jacket typically carries no printed price; they are often on thinner paper and bear a small blind-stamped dot on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Clock Winder a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Knopf, New York, 1972. The true first states 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page with the Knopf borzoi colophon; green cloth lettered in gilt. Tyler's fourth novel and among the scarcer early firsts in a fine first-issue jacket.
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 Knopf 1972 is the true first. The UK Chatto & Windus edition followed in 1973, so the US edition precedes.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack the stated 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page and the jacket typically carries no printed price; they are often on thinner paper and bear a small blind-stamped dot on the rear board.
I have a first edition of The Clock Winder — 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.