The points of issue
Faulkner's first book, a poetry collection with a preface by Phil Stone. Issued in paper-covered (marbled/mottled) boards with printed paper labels on the front cover and spine, in a glassine and a green-printed dust wrapper. Edition of about 500 copies. Copyright page carries the 'Published, December, 1924' statement and the Four Seas imprint; publication was fixed at December 15, 1924.
Is this the true first?
True first appearance of Faulkner in book form. No UK precedence.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Beware later facsimiles; genuine copies are the 1924 Four Seas issue with the printed paper labels and original wrappers. Survival is low.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Marble Faun a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Faulkner's first book, a poetry collection with a preface by Phil Stone. Issued in paper-covered (marbled/mottled) boards with printed paper labels on the front cover and spine, in a glassine and a green-printed dust wrapper. Edition of about 500 copies. Copyright page carries the 'Published, December, 1924' statement and the Four Seas imprint; publication was fixed at December 15, 1924.
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. True first appearance of Faulkner in book form. No UK precedence.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Beware later facsimiles; genuine copies are the 1924 Four Seas issue with the printed paper labels and original wrappers. Survival is low.
I have a first edition of The Marble Faun — 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.