The points of issue
Doubleday first issue: copyright page reads "March 1991" with "First Edition" and a full number line, accompanied by the Doubleday anchor/dolphin colophon, and the original price-printed dust jacket. First-state copies have light green-gray boards with a black cloth spine and gold endpapers; the binding shifted later in the printing.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday (1991) is the true first edition; the UK Century edition also appeared in 1991. This was Grisham's breakout title and the first printing, while common, is condition-sensitive.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The book club edition is dated "April 1991" on the copyright page (rather than March 1991), lacks the printed jacket price, and is bound in all-black boards. A blind-stamp on the rear board is also typical of book club copies.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Firm a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Doubleday first issue: copyright page reads "March 1991" with "First Edition" and a full number line, accompanied by the Doubleday anchor/dolphin colophon, and the original price-printed dust jacket. First-state copies have light green-gray boards with a black cloth spine and gold endpapers; the binding shifted later in the printing.
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 Doubleday (1991) is the true first edition; the UK Century edition also appeared in 1991. This was Grisham's breakout title and the first printing, while common, is condition-sensitive.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The book club edition is dated "April 1991" on the copyright page (rather than March 1991), lacks the printed jacket price, and is bound in all-black boards. A blind-stamp on the rear board is also typical of book club copies.
I have a first edition of The Firm — 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.