The points of issue
Putnam first printing: copyright page shows Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 69-11465 and the line 'PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' (printed by American Book–Stratford Press), with NO statement of any additional printing and no number line. First-state dust jacket has the printed price on front flap and the code '6903' at the foot of the flap (indicating March 1969); rear flap lists Puzo's earlier titles 'The Dark Arena' and 'The Fortunate Pilgrim' with reviews. Quarter black cloth over white/cream boards, red endpapers; the marionette/puppet-strings device stamped on the binding.
Is this the true first?
US Putnam 1969 is the true first. The controlling points are the absence of any later-printing statement plus the the printed price/'6903' first-state jacket. The UK Heinemann edition (1969) is a separate, later first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Book Club Edition is common: tell by a blind stamp (small dot/square) on the lower rear board, NO price on the jacket flap (or 'Book Club Edition' printed on it), thinner/cheaper paper, and smaller overall dimensions. The BCE jacket lacks the 'the printed price / 6903' code.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Godfather a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Putnam first printing: copyright page shows Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 69-11465 and the line 'PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' (printed by American Book–Stratford Press), with NO statement of any additional printing and no number line. First-state dust jacket has the printed price on front flap and the code '6903' at the foot of the flap (indicating March 1969); rear flap lists Puzo's earlier titles 'The Dark Arena' and 'The Fortunate Pilgrim' with reviews. Quarter black cloth over white/cream boards, red endpapers; the marionette/puppe
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 Putnam 1969 is the true first. The controlling points are the absence of any later-printing statement plus the the printed price/'6903' first-state jacket. The UK Heinemann edition (1969) is a separate, later first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Book Club Edition is common: tell by a blind stamp (small dot/square) on the lower rear board, NO price on the jacket flap (or 'Book Club Edition' printed on it), thinner/cheaper paper, and smaller overall dimensions. The BCE jacket lacks the 'the printed price / 6903' code.
I have a first edition of The Godfather — 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.