The points of issue
'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page with the Harper & Row code 'K-V' or similar first-printing notation and no number line indicating later printings. Dust jacket priced the printed price. First-issue jacket has the original price and no movie tie-in references.
Is this the true first?
US Harper & Row 1971 true first. First state told by the stated 'First Edition' plus the original the printed price jacket; movie tie-in printings (post-1973) are common later issues.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack 'First Edition', have rear-board blind-stamp, and a jacket with no price. Movie tie-in printings carry film imagery/credits — clearly later.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Exorcist a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page with the Harper & Row code 'K-V' or similar first-printing notation and no number line indicating later printings. Dust jacket priced the printed price. First-issue jacket has the original price and no movie tie-in references.
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 Harper & Row 1971 true first. First state told by the stated 'First Edition' plus the original the printed price jacket; movie tie-in printings (post-1973) are common later issues.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack 'First Edition', have rear-board blind-stamp, and a jacket with no price. Movie tie-in printings carry film imagery/credits — clearly later.
I have a first edition of The Exorcist — 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.