The points of issue
First printing, stated First Edition on the copyright page. A collection of Marquand's stories, articles and essays gathered in book form for the first time, with an Introduction by Clifton Fadiman. Gray cloth with black spine label and gilt lettering.
Is this the true first?
US first (Boston/Toronto issue, Little, Brown).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings exist; verify the First Edition statement on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Thirty Years a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing, stated First Edition on the copyright page. A collection of Marquand's stories, articles and essays gathered in book form for the first time, with an Introduction by Clifton Fadiman. Gray cloth with black spine label and gilt lettering.
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 (Boston/Toronto issue, Little, Brown).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings exist; verify the First Edition statement on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Thirty Years — 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.