The points of issue
McCarthy's scarce first novel. 'First Printing' is stated on the copyright page (not 'First Edition'), with no later-printing line. Bound in green cloth shelfback over red paper-covered boards, gilt spine lettering with red decoration, the author's initials blind/gilt stamped on the front board, top edge stained green. First-issue white dust jacket with black and red lettering carries the printed price unclipped and review blurbs on the rear panel (including Ralph Ellison, Robert Penn Warren and James Michener), with the author photo on the rear flap.
Is this the true first?
US Random House is the true first; the UK Andre Deutsch edition (1966) follows. Signed or inscribed copies are very scarce.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No US book-club edition of consequence; later Vintage and Ecco paperbacks lack the 'First Printing' statement and are clearly reprints. Beware ex-library and price-clipped jackets passed off as firsts.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Orchard Keeper a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: McCarthy's scarce first novel. 'First Printing' is stated on the copyright page (not 'First Edition'), with no later-printing line. Bound in green cloth shelfback over red paper-covered boards, gilt spine lettering with red decoration, the author's initials blind/gilt stamped on the front board, top edge stained green. First-issue white dust jacket with black and red lettering carries the printed price unclipped and review blurbs on the rear panel (including Ralph Ellison, Robert Penn Warren and James Michener), with the author photo on the rear 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 is the true first; the UK Andre Deutsch edition (1966) follows. Signed or inscribed copies are very scarce.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No US book-club edition of consequence; later Vintage and Ecco paperbacks lack the 'First Printing' statement and are clearly reprints. Beware ex-library and price-clipped jackets passed off as firsts.
I have a first edition of The Orchard Keeper — 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.