The points of issue
Doubleday first printing: copyright page states "First Edition" with the dated line "March 1992" and a complete Doubleday number line that includes the digit 1 (the scrambled sequence 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2, not a line that ends in 1). First-state dust jacket carries the printed retail price on the front flap with no added bar code; a later jacket state adds a bar code to the front flap.
Is this the true first?
The US Doubleday edition (March 1992) is the true first. The UK Century edition also appeared in 1992 but follows the US printing.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions lack a price on the jacket flap, may print "Book Club Edition" on the flap, are smaller and lighter than the trade first, and typically show a blind-stamped dot or square on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Pelican Brief a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Doubleday first printing: copyright page states "First Edition" with the dated line "March 1992" and a complete Doubleday number line that includes the digit 1 (the scrambled sequence 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2, not a line that ends in 1). First-state dust jacket carries the printed retail price on the front flap with no added bar code; a later jacket state adds a bar code to the front 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. The US Doubleday edition (March 1992) is the true first. The UK Century edition also appeared in 1992 but follows the US printing.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club editions lack a price on the jacket flap, may print "Book Club Edition" on the flap, are smaller and lighter than the trade first, and typically show a blind-stamped dot or square on the rear board.
I have a first edition of The Pelican Brief — 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.