The points of issue
First English-language edition. Published by Arbor House, New York, 1983. Posthumous novel based on the life of boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter, whose fictional counterpart is named Ruby Calhoun. Confirm the first printing by the copyright-page printing statement, with later printings noted there.
Is this the true first?
The Arbor House 1983 edition is the first edition in English, but it is not the true first appearance of the text. A German translation by Carl Weissner, titled 'Calhoun: Roman eines Verbrechens,' was published by Zweitausendeins (Frankfurt) in 1981, two years earlier. The 'Calhoun' title is the German edition's, not a UK one; the later UK edition retained 'The Devil's Stocking.' Algren died in 1981, so all editions are posthumous.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings are noted on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Devil's Stocking a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First English-language edition. Published by Arbor House, New York, 1983. Posthumous novel based on the life of boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter, whose fictional counterpart is named Ruby Calhoun. Confirm the first printing by the copyright-page printing statement, with later printings noted there.
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 Arbor House 1983 edition is the first edition in English, but it is not the true first appearance of the text. A German translation by Carl Weissner, titled 'Calhoun: Roman eines Verbrechens,' was published by Zweitausendeins (Frankfurt) in 1981, two years earlier. The 'Calhoun' title is the Ger
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings are noted on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of The Devil's Stocking — 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.