The points of issue
Hughes's first book; introduction by Carl Van Vechten, dust-jacket design by Miguel Covarrubias. First printing: Alfred A. Knopf, 1926, in an edition of 1,500 copies; quarter blue cloth spine lettered in gilt over patterned (batik-style) paper boards, with the Borzoi device, in dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
US Knopf (1926) is the true first; no prior UK edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue. The first printing was 1,500 copies and was reprinted soon after; later printings carry printing statements.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Weary Blues a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Hughes's first book; introduction by Carl Van Vechten, dust-jacket design by Miguel Covarrubias. First printing: Alfred A. Knopf, 1926, in an edition of 1,500 copies; quarter blue cloth spine lettered in gilt over patterned (batik-style) paper boards, with the Borzoi device, in dust jacket.
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 (1926) is the true first; no prior UK edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue. The first printing was 1,500 copies and was reprinted soon after; later printings carry printing statements.
I have a first edition of The Weary Blues — 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.