The points of issue
Two issues. The signed limited edition comprises 225 copies signed by Cather, of which 40 are bound in Imperial Japan vellum (gilt, slipcased) and the remainder on Borzoi all-rag paper. The first trade issue is bound in orange linen cloth with a blue cloth spine and orange top stain, carries the Knopf imprint and Borzoi colophon, and has no later-printing statement. Published September 4, 1925. Cather's Southwest-infused novel containing 'Tom Outland's Story' set on the mesa.
Is this the true first?
The Knopf 1925 signed limited edition is the most desirable first state; the trade first follows. The UK (Heinemann) edition is a separate first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The limited edition is identified by the numbered, signed limitation leaf (and Japan vellum binding on the 40 deluxe copies); the trade first by the Knopf imprint and Borzoi colophon without later-printing statements. There is no mass book-club issue of the 1925 first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Professor's House a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Two issues. The signed limited edition comprises 225 copies signed by Cather, of which 40 are bound in Imperial Japan vellum (gilt, slipcased) and the remainder on Borzoi all-rag paper. The first trade issue is bound in orange linen cloth with a blue cloth spine and orange top stain, carries the Knopf imprint and Borzoi colophon, and has no later-printing statement. Published September 4, 1925. Cather's Southwest-infused novel containing 'Tom Outland's Story' set on the mesa.
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 Knopf 1925 signed limited edition is the most desirable first state; the trade first follows. The UK (Heinemann) edition is a separate first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The limited edition is identified by the numbered, signed limitation leaf (and Japan vellum binding on the 40 deluxe copies); the trade first by the Knopf imprint and Borzoi colophon without later-printing statements. There is no mass book-club issue of the 1925 first.
I have a first edition of The Professor's House — 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.