The points of issue
Warner Books, 1996, Sparks's debut novel. The true first printing states 'First Printing: October 1996' on the copyright page with a full descending number line. First-state dust jacket carries the printed retail price on the front flap. Octavo, cream boards with gray cloth spine, 214 pages. Scarce in fine first printing, especially signed.
Is this the true first?
The US Warner Books first printing is the true first. The 2004 film drove demand; confirm the 'First Printing: October 1996' statement and the priced first-state jacket.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Warner printings break the number line. Book-club copies (no price on the jacket, blind stamp on the rear board) are not the true first. The first printing carries the October 1996 statement and a priced jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Notebook a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Warner Books, 1996, Sparks's debut novel. The true first printing states 'First Printing: October 1996' on the copyright page with a full descending number line. First-state dust jacket carries the printed retail price on the front flap. Octavo, cream boards with gray cloth spine, 214 pages. Scarce in fine first printing, especially signed.
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. The US Warner Books first printing is the true first. The 2004 film drove demand; confirm the 'First Printing: October 1996' statement and the priced first-state jacket.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Warner printings break the number line. Book-club copies (no price on the jacket, blind stamp on the rear board) are not the true first. The first printing carries the October 1996 statement and a priced jacket.
I have a first edition of The Notebook — 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.