The points of issue
First edition, first printing. Published by Random House, New York, 1941. The first printing IS stated 'First Printing' on the copyright page (title-page verso) for this title. Octavo in two-tone navy and light-blue cloth, gilt-stamped spine and covers, gray top stain; dust jacket with the publisher's price on the flap. Schulberg's first book.
Is this the true first?
US first edition (Random House, New York, 1941). A UK edition was issued by Jarrolds, London, in 1941.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
First printing is explicitly stated 'First Printing' on the copyright page. A Book-of-the-Month Club edition exists; the BOMC issue lacks the 'First Printing' statement and typically shows a board blind-stamp. A first-state dust jacket carries blurbs by F. Scott Fitzgerald and John O'Hara; a later jacket state adds further blurbs on the rear panel.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of What Makes Sammy Run? a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing. Published by Random House, New York, 1941. The first printing IS stated 'First Printing' on the copyright page (title-page verso) for this title. Octavo in two-tone navy and light-blue cloth, gilt-stamped spine and covers, gray top stain; dust jacket with the publisher's price on the flap. Schulberg's first 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 first edition (Random House, New York, 1941). A UK edition was issued by Jarrolds, London, in 1941.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
First printing is explicitly stated 'First Printing' on the copyright page. A Book-of-the-Month Club edition exists; the BOMC issue lacks the 'First Printing' statement and typically shows a board blind-stamp. A first-state dust jacket carries blurbs by F. Scott Fitzgerald and John O'Hara; a later jacket state adds further blurbs on the rear panel.
I have a first edition of What Makes Sammy Run? — 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.