The points of issue
'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page. Published January 1971. Orange paper boards backed in black cloth, gilt spine lettering, blind-stamped 'RM' monogram to the front cover, top edge stained blue, deckled fore-edge. First-issue jacket carries the printed price. The book that returned Macdonald to wide critical attention (front-page New York Times Book Review).
Is this the true first?
US Knopf (1971) is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A Book-of-the-Month / club edition is common: blind-stamp to the rear board, no price on the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Underground Man a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page. Published January 1971. Orange paper boards backed in black cloth, gilt spine lettering, blind-stamped 'RM' monogram to the front cover, top edge stained blue, deckled fore-edge. First-issue jacket carries the printed price. The book that returned Macdonald to wide critical attention (front-page New York Times Book Review).
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 Knopf (1971) is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A Book-of-the-Month / club edition is common: blind-stamp to the rear board, no price on the jacket.
I have a first edition of The Underground Man — 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.