The points of issue
Title-page reads Valley Forge: A Novel. First edition, M. Evans and Company, 1975, about 339 pages. M. Evans first editions are identified by 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page together with a '1' present in the number line; no later-printing notice. A novel of the 1777-1778 Continental Army winter encampment, Kantor's last book.
Is this the true first?
US M. Evans edition is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings remove the lowest digit from the number line and drop the 'First Edition' statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Valley Forge a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Title-page reads Valley Forge: A Novel. First edition, M. Evans and Company, 1975, about 339 pages. M. Evans first editions are identified by 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page together with a '1' present in the number line; no later-printing notice. A novel of the 1777-1778 Continental Army winter encampment, Kantor's last book.
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 M. Evans edition is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings remove the lowest digit from the number line and drop the 'First Edition' statement.
I have a first edition of Valley Forge — 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.