The points of issue
Viking Press 1968, 'Published in 1968 by The Viking Press' on the copyright page with no additional printings stated. Dust jacket art; first state carries the original Viking price. First printing so stated/dated.
Is this the true first?
US Viking 1968 true first. The UK Bodley Head (1968) is first British. First state identified by the Viking imprint with no later printing line.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions have the rear-board blind-stamp and no jacket price; later trade printings note additional impressions on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Last Unicorn a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Viking Press 1968, 'Published in 1968 by The Viking Press' on the copyright page with no additional printings stated. Dust jacket art; first state carries the original Viking price. First printing so stated/dated.
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 Viking 1968 true first. The UK Bodley Head (1968) is first British. First state identified by the Viking imprint with no later printing line.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions have the rear-board blind-stamp and no jacket price; later trade printings note additional impressions on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of The Last Unicorn — 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.