The points of issue
Story collection; publisher's black cloth with gilt titling to the spine; full number line ending in 1; dust jacket designed by William Webb, priced accordingly.
Is this the true first?
The UK Bloomsbury edition of April 1998 is the true first, preceding the US Grove Press edition of 1999.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add an impression statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tough, Tough Toys for Tough, Tough Boys a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Story collection; publisher's black cloth with gilt titling to the spine; full number line ending in 1; dust jacket designed by William Webb, priced accordingly.
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 UK Bloomsbury edition of April 1998 is the true first, preceding the US Grove Press edition of 1999.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add an impression statement.
I have a first edition of Tough, Tough Toys for Tough, Tough Boys — 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.