The points of issue
First edition, first printing 1969 University of New Mexico Press, illustrated by Al Momaday; first-issue copyright state with no later-printing line. Issued in cloth (and a wrappers issue); first-issue dust jacket on the cloth state with front-flap price.
Is this the true first?
US University of New Mexico Press (1969) is the true first—a landmark Kiowa/Southwest work by the Pulitzer-winning Momaday. Note simultaneous/near-simultaneous cloth and wrappers issues; the cloth first with jacket is the collectible. Signed copies sought.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition; the confusion is later UNM Press printings (which add printing lines) and the wrappers issue vs. cloth. The 1969 first-printing cloth state is the target.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Way to Rainy Mountain a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing 1969 University of New Mexico Press, illustrated by Al Momaday; first-issue copyright state with no later-printing line. Issued in cloth (and a wrappers issue); first-issue dust jacket on the cloth state with front-flap price.
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 University of New Mexico Press (1969) is the true first—a landmark Kiowa/Southwest work by the Pulitzer-winning Momaday. Note simultaneous/near-simultaneous cloth and wrappers issues; the cloth first with jacket is the collectible. Signed copies sought.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition; the confusion is later UNM Press printings (which add printing lines) and the wrappers issue vs. cloth. The 1969 first-printing cloth state is the target.
I have a first edition of The Way to Rainy Mountain — 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.