# Is "The Holcroft Covenant" by Robert Ludlum a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of The Holcroft Covenant by Robert Ludlum (Richard Marek Publishers, 1978) is identified by: Richard Marek firsts do not use a number line. US Richard Marek first, New York.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Richard Marek firsts do not use a number line
- The true first is identified by a stated first printing on the copyright page with no mention of later printings, plus a printing date code on the front dust-jacket flap, and the correct price printed on the jacket
- Publisher imprint reads Richard Marek Publishers
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Robert Ludlum |
| Publisher | Richard Marek Publishers |
| Year | 1978 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Richard Marek firsts do not use a number line |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Richard Marek firsts do not use a number line. The true first is identified by a stated first printing on the copyright page with no mention of later printings, plus a printing date code on the front dust-jacket flap, and the correct price printed on the jacket.

## Is this the true first?
US Richard Marek first, New York.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions lack the stated first-printing and date code, are typically smaller with cheaper boards, and often carry a blindstamp to the rear board.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *The Holcroft Covenant* by Robert Ludlum a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/the-holcroft-covenant
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.