The points of issue
Copyright page states 'FIRST PRINTING' per Random House practice. Beige cloth with brown top-stain; jacket designed by Miriam Woods. First-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap.
Is this the true first?
US Random House edition is the true first, preceding the UK Heinemann edition of 1952.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club copies lack the 'FIRST PRINTING' statement and the front-flap price and may be blind-stamped.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Grass Harp a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states 'FIRST PRINTING' per Random House practice. Beige cloth with brown top-stain; jacket designed by Miriam Woods. First-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap.
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 Random House edition is the true first, preceding the UK Heinemann edition of 1952.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club copies lack the 'FIRST PRINTING' statement and the front-flap price and may be blind-stamped.
I have a first edition of The Grass Harp — 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.