The points of issue
Third of the Wonderland Quartet and the 1970 National Book Award winner; the title is styled in lowercase as them. Vanguard Press did not print a stated First Edition line on this title; the first printing is identified by a copyright page that carries the Vanguard imprint and 1969 date with no later-printing notation. First-issue trade copies retain a price-present dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
The US Vanguard Press 1969 printing is the true first. Because the National Book Award drove additional printings, confirm the copyright page shows no second- or later-printing statement, since Vanguard signals later printings rather than stating First Edition on the first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book-club edition became common after the award. The book-club copy lacks a price on the jacket flap and typically shows a blind-stamped depression on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of them a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Third of the Wonderland Quartet and the 1970 National Book Award winner; the title is styled in lowercase as them. Vanguard Press did not print a stated First Edition line on this title; the first printing is identified by a copyright page that carries the Vanguard imprint and 1969 date with no later-printing notation. First-issue trade copies retain a price-present 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. The US Vanguard Press 1969 printing is the true first. Because the National Book Award drove additional printings, confirm the copyright page shows no second- or later-printing statement, since Vanguard signals later printings rather than stating First Edition on the first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book-club edition became common after the award. The book-club copy lacks a price on the jacket flap and typically shows a blind-stamped depression on the rear board.
I have a first edition of them — 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.