The points of issue
First edition published as by 'John Kerouac' (his given first name). Cloth in dust jacket; first printing identified by the copyright page lacking later-printing statements, with the first-issue price on the jacket flap. This is Kerouac's first published book.
Is this the true first?
Harcourt, Brace US (1950) is the true first — Kerouac's debut, issued under the name 'John Kerouac.' Eyre & Spottiswoode issued the UK edition (1951). Scarce, especially in jacket and signed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Not a book club. The signature point is the 'John Kerouac' byline and Harcourt Brace 1950 imprint; verify a first-printing copyright page and price-present jacket. Beware later printings.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Town and the City a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition published as by 'John Kerouac' (his given first name). Cloth in dust jacket; first printing identified by the copyright page lacking later-printing statements, with the first-issue price on the jacket flap. This is Kerouac's first published book.
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. Harcourt, Brace US (1950) is the true first — Kerouac's debut, issued under the name 'John Kerouac.' Eyre & Spottiswoode issued the UK edition (1951). Scarce, especially in jacket and signed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Not a book club. The signature point is the 'John Kerouac' byline and Harcourt Brace 1950 imprint; verify a first-printing copyright page and price-present jacket. Beware later printings.
I have a first edition of The Town and the City — 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.