The points of issue
First edition, single volume, 1837, in publisher's brown embossed cloth with the title gilt on the spine; imprint of the American Stationers Co., John B. Russell (printed by Freeman and Bolles), with a publisher's circular device on the title page. Hawthorne's first book to bear his name on the title page. Copies appear with either 12 or 16 pages of ads at the rear, with no established priority. The expanded 1842 two-volume James Munroe edition adds new tales and is a separate, later edition.
Is this the true first?
American true first, 1837, one volume. The 1842 two-volume James Munroe edition is enlarged and is a distinct later edition, not the true first. Verify the 1837 American Stationers imprint.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later collected-works printings exist; the genuine first carries the 1837 American Stationers / John B. Russell imprint and the circular title-page device.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Twice-Told Tales a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, single volume, 1837, in publisher's brown embossed cloth with the title gilt on the spine; imprint of the American Stationers Co., John B. Russell (printed by Freeman and Bolles), with a publisher's circular device on the title page. Hawthorne's first book to bear his name on the title page. Copies appear with either 12 or 16 pages of ads at the rear, with no established priority. The expanded 1842 two-volume James Munroe edition adds new tales and is a separate, later edition.
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. American true first, 1837, one volume. The 1842 two-volume James Munroe edition is enlarged and is a distinct later edition, not the true first. Verify the 1837 American Stationers imprint.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later collected-works printings exist; the genuine first carries the 1837 American Stationers / John B. Russell imprint and the circular title-page device.
I have a first edition of Twice-Told Tales — 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.