The points of issue
First printing has the 1968 copyright with NO additional printing statement (and the S&S first-issue conventions of the period). Bound in blue-gray cloth, spine stamped in red and gilt, yellow topstain, mustard-yellow endpapers; 215 pp. First-issue dust jacket designed by Paul Davis, priced the printed price on the front flap.
Is this the true first?
US Simon & Schuster (1968) is the true first; an advance reading copy/proof preceded the trade edition. UK Cape edition follows. Signed Portis copies are scarce and valuable.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Book Club Edition is the prime confusion: it carries a blind-stamp on the rear board, a price-clipped jacket, no the printed price, and thinner boards/paper. BCE copies are common; the trade first with intact the printed price Paul Davis jacket is the target.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of True Grit a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing has the 1968 copyright with NO additional printing statement (and the S&S first-issue conventions of the period). Bound in blue-gray cloth, spine stamped in red and gilt, yellow topstain, mustard-yellow endpapers; 215 pp. First-issue dust jacket designed by Paul Davis, priced the printed price on the front flap.
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 Simon & Schuster (1968) is the true first; an advance reading copy/proof preceded the trade edition. UK Cape edition follows. Signed Portis copies are scarce and valuable.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Book Club Edition is the prime confusion: it carries a blind-stamp on the rear board, a price-clipped jacket, no the printed price, and thinner boards/paper. BCE copies are common; the trade first with intact the printed price Paul Davis jacket is the target.
I have a first edition of True Grit — 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.