The points of issue
First edition, first printing, published by Duell, Sloan and Pearce, New York, 1947. Copyright page carries the firm's First Edition statement with no later-printing notations. Issued in green cloth lettered in black on front and spine, in dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
US edition is the true first. A UK edition followed from Falcon Press in 1948.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings exist and are distinguished by the absence of the First Edition statement and the presence of added printing notations; no book-club issue noted for the first appearance.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Sure Hand of God a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing, published by Duell, Sloan and Pearce, New York, 1947. Copyright page carries the firm's First Edition statement with no later-printing notations. Issued in green cloth lettered in black on front and spine, in dust jacket.
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 edition is the true first. A UK edition followed from Falcon Press in 1948.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings exist and are distinguished by the absence of the First Edition statement and the presence of added printing notations; no book-club issue noted for the first appearance.
I have a first edition of The Sure Hand of God — 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.