The points of issue
US Little, Brown first: a complete number line ending in '1' on the copyright page (first printings show the full line). Quarter black paper over brown paper boards, red lettering to the spine; first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. 8vo, about 434 pp.
Is this the true first?
The US Little, Brown edition (1996) is the true first; Connelly's first non-Bosch standalone, introducing Jack McEvoy. The UK Orion edition follows. Distinct from his debut, The Black Echo.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the complete number line to '1', commonly bear a blind-stamped dot on the rear board, carry no printed price on the flap, and are on lighter bulked paper.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Poet a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Little, Brown first: a complete number line ending in '1' on the copyright page (first printings show the full line). Quarter black paper over brown paper boards, red lettering to the spine; first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. 8vo, about 434 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. The US Little, Brown edition (1996) is the true first; Connelly's first non-Bosch standalone, introducing Jack McEvoy. The UK Orion edition follows. Distinct from his debut, The Black Echo.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack the complete number line to '1', commonly bear a blind-stamped dot on the rear board, carry no printed price on the flap, and are on lighter bulked paper.
I have a first edition of The Poet — 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.