The points of issue
First edition 1928, Macmillan (New York). The first printing carries the stated line 'Published, September, 1928' on the copyright page and lists no later printings. Author's first book; illustrations by Angela Pruszynska; textured blue cloth. Per the Macmillan convention, the absence of any 'Reprinted...' lines on the verso is the key first-printing point.
Is this the true first?
US true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Macmillan printings add reprint-history lines (e.g. 'Reprinted...') below the 'Published, September, 1928' statement; presence of any reprint notice means it is not the first printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Trumpeter of Krakow a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition 1928, Macmillan (New York). The first printing carries the stated line 'Published, September, 1928' on the copyright page and lists no later printings. Author's first book; illustrations by Angela Pruszynska; textured blue cloth. Per the Macmillan convention, the absence of any 'Reprinted...' lines on the verso is the key first-printing point.
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 true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Macmillan printings add reprint-history lines (e.g. 'Reprinted...') below the 'Published, September, 1928' statement; presence of any reprint notice means it is not the first printing.
I have a first edition of The Trumpeter of Krakow — 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.