The points of issue
First edition, first state: Geo. M. Hill Co., Chicago/New York, 1900. First-state points include the '11-line' colophon errors and specific plate states; the title page reads 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' (later editions retitled 'The New Wizard of Oz'). First state has a blank verso of the half-title and the Hill imprint; numerous documented states exist (color plates, text settings on p. [2], p. 14, p. 81, p. 100, etc.).
Is this the true first?
The Geo. M. Hill 1900 first state is the true first. Precedence among states is complex and follows the standard bibliographies (Bienvenue/Hanff, Greene & Hearn); key first-state markers include the Hill imprint and the specified text/plate states. Expert collation is required.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Bobbs-Merrill editions retitle the book 'The New Wizard of Oz,' change the imprint, and reset text; any Bobbs-Merrill copy is not the first. Reprints lack the first-state Hill plate/text points.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first state: Geo. M. Hill Co., Chicago/New York, 1900. First-state points include the '11-line' colophon errors and specific plate states; the title page reads 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' (later editions retitled 'The New Wizard of Oz'). First state has a blank verso of the half-title and the Hill imprint; numerous documented states exist (color plates, text settings on p. [2], p. 14, p. 81, p. 100, etc.).
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. The Geo. M. Hill 1900 first state is the true first. Precedence among states is complex and follows the standard bibliographies (Bienvenue/Hanff, Greene & Hearn); key first-state markers include the Hill imprint and the specified text/plate states. Expert collation is required.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Bobbs-Merrill editions retitle the book 'The New Wizard of Oz,' change the imprint, and reset text; any Bobbs-Merrill copy is not the first. Reprints lack the first-state Hill plate/text points.
I have a first edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz — 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.