The points of issue
Two volumes, publisher's cloth. As a Scribner book of this period, the first printing shows the Scribner capital 'A' on the copyright page; later printings lack the 'A' or carry a later letter or printing code. First printings appear in red cloth.
Is this the true first?
US Scribner (New York) is the true first, published 1930 in two volumes. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1931.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Confirm the lone capital 'A' on the copyright page of both volumes; absence of the 'A' (or a later letter/code) indicates a later printing. The Scribner 'A' system applies to first printings from 1930 onward.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Coming of the War, 1914 a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Two volumes, publisher's cloth. As a Scribner book of this period, the first printing shows the Scribner capital 'A' on the copyright page; later printings lack the 'A' or carry a later letter or printing code. First printings appear in red cloth.
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 Scribner (New York) is the true first, published 1930 in two volumes. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1931.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Confirm the lone capital 'A' on the copyright page of both volumes; absence of the 'A' (or a later letter/code) indicates a later printing. The Scribner 'A' system applies to first printings from 1930 onward.
I have a first edition of The Coming of the War, 1914 — 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.