# Is "The Testament" by John Grisham a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of The Testament by John Grisham (Doubleday, 1999) is identified by: First printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page and carries the full Doubleday number line reading 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2, the terminal 2 confirming first printing. US Doubleday edition (1999) is the true first.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- First printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page and carries the full Doubleday number line reading 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2, the terminal 2 confirming first printing
- Bound in black quarter cloth over black boards with gilt spine lettering and tan endpapers, 435 pages
- The first-issue dust jacket carries the printed retail price on the front flap and should be present and unclipped for a complete copy
- Publisher imprint reads Doubleday
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | John Grisham |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
| Year | 1999 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | First printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page and carries the full… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
First printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page and carries the full Doubleday number line reading 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2, the terminal 2 confirming first printing. Bound in black quarter cloth over black boards with gilt spine lettering and tan endpapers, 435 pages. The first-issue dust jacket carries the printed retail price on the front flap and should be present and unclipped for a complete copy.

## Is this the true first?
US Doubleday edition (1999) is the true first.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions omit the 'First Edition' statement and number line, are noticeably smaller and lighter, and typically bear a blindstamp on the rear board.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *The Testament* by John Grisham a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/the-testament
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.