The points of issue
First edition published by The World Publishing Company, New York and Cleveland, 1969. World firsts are identified by a stated First Edition or First Printing line on the copyright page, not by the absence of a number line.
Is this the true first?
US first edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later New American Library and UK (W.H. Allen) editions are not the first. Confirm the stated First Edition or First Printing line on the World copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Weather Shelter a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition published by The World Publishing Company, New York and Cleveland, 1969. World firsts are identified by a stated First Edition or First Printing line on the copyright page, not by the absence of a number line.
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 first edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later New American Library and UK (W.H. Allen) editions are not the first. Confirm the stated First Edition or First Printing line on the World copyright page.
I have a first edition of The Weather Shelter — 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.