The points of issue
'First Edition' stated on the copyright page AND the gutter code 'R49' on the bottom inside corner of page 447. Dust jacket priced the printed price. First-issue jacket carries the printed price; the rear panel/flap reflects 1977 King titles only.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday 1977 true first (~25,000 copies). UK New English Library (1977) is first British. The decisive trade-first point is the 'R49' gutter code combined with the stated 'First Edition' and the printed price jacket.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the 'R49' gutter code, have the blind-stamp/indentation on the rear board, and the jacket has no printed price. No gutter code = book club, regardless of any 'First Edition' wording.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Shining a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page AND the gutter code 'R49' on the bottom inside corner of page 447. Dust jacket priced the printed price. First-issue jacket carries the printed price; the rear panel/flap reflects 1977 King titles only.
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 Doubleday 1977 true first (~25,000 copies). UK New English Library (1977) is first British. The decisive trade-first point is the 'R49' gutter code combined with the stated 'First Edition' and the printed price jacket.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack the 'R49' gutter code, have the blind-stamp/indentation on the rear board, and the jacket has no printed price. No gutter code = book club, regardless of any 'First Edition' wording.
I have a first edition of The Shining — 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.