The points of issue
First edition: Viking Press 1967, black cloth boards with spine lettered in orange and red top-stain; first-issue dust jacket (art by Richard M. Powers) priced the printed price, unclipped. Copyright page bears no later-printing statement; 188 pp.
Is this the true first?
US Viking is the true first. A 'library binding' variant exists with the Powers jacket art printed directly onto the boards. The the printed price unclipped Powers jacket on black cloth is the defining first-issue point; the book is scarce because Hinton was then unknown.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions are smaller, on cheaper paper, with a blind-stamped circle on the rear board and a clipped jacket lacking the printed price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Outsiders a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition: Viking Press 1967, black cloth boards with spine lettered in orange and red top-stain; first-issue dust jacket (art by Richard M. Powers) priced the printed price, unclipped. Copyright page bears no later-printing statement; 188 pp.
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 is the true first. A 'library binding' variant exists with the Powers jacket art printed directly onto the boards. The the printed price unclipped Powers jacket on black cloth is the defining first-issue point; the book is scarce because Hinton was then unknown.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions are smaller, on cheaper paper, with a blind-stamped circle on the rear board and a clipped jacket lacking the printed price.
I have a first edition of The Outsiders — 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.