The points of issue
The Viking Press, New York, 1977. First edition with the printed statement 'First published in 1977 by The Viking Press' on the copyright page and no statement of a later printing; quarter white cloth over black paper boards, 534 pages; first-issue dust jacket carrying the original price to the flap. The Rosenberg/Nixon novel.
Is this the true first?
The US Viking Press edition is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club issues of the period are distinguished by a flap that lacks a printed price and, on some copies, a blind code stamped at the lower rear board; the trade first carries the printed flap price and the publisher's first-published statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Public Burning a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The Viking Press, New York, 1977. First edition with the printed statement 'First published in 1977 by The Viking Press' on the copyright page and no statement of a later printing; quarter white cloth over black paper boards, 534 pages; first-issue dust jacket carrying the original price to the flap. The Rosenberg/Nixon novel.
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 Viking Press edition is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club issues of the period are distinguished by a flap that lacks a printed price and, on some copies, a blind code stamped at the lower rear board; the trade first carries the printed flap price and the publisher's first-published statement.
I have a first edition of The Public Burning — 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.