The points of issue
True first follows Knopf convention: the copyright page states 'First Edition' with no later-printing line; 1976 copyright. Hardcover in dust jacket, a Borzoi book edited by Judith Jones. The ISBN 0-394-73215-4 (978-0394732152) is the Vintage trade-paperback reissue format, not the original hardcover first.
Is this the true first?
The US Knopf 1976 hardcover is the true first; confirm via the stated 'First Edition' slug and the hardcover (not Vintage paperback) format. Anniversary editions (30th, 50th) are later 'first thus' reissues with new forewords.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Vintage paperback and later anniversary editions are reprints, not the first. Book-club-style copies lack the 'First Edition' statement and the original jacket price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Taste of Country Cooking a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first follows Knopf convention: the copyright page states 'First Edition' with no later-printing line; 1976 copyright. Hardcover in dust jacket, a Borzoi book edited by Judith Jones. The ISBN 0-394-73215-4 (978-0394732152) is the Vintage trade-paperback reissue format, not the original hardcover first.
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 Knopf 1976 hardcover is the true first; confirm via the stated 'First Edition' slug and the hardcover (not Vintage paperback) format. Anniversary editions (30th, 50th) are later 'first thus' reissues with new forewords.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Vintage paperback and later anniversary editions are reprints, not the first. Book-club-style copies lack the 'First Edition' statement and the original jacket price.
I have a first edition of The Taste of Country Cooking — 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.