The points of issue
US Arbor House first edition, 1986, 239 pages; the first printing is indicated by the full number line descending to 1 on the copyright page, consistent with Arbor House practice of the period, in a first-issue priced dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
US Arbor House (1986) is the true first. A pivotal Matthew Scudder novel, developed from the earlier story By the Dawn's Early Light, widely regarded as one of the strongest in the series.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The book-club edition lacks the full number line to 1, carries a blind-stamped mark on the rear board, has no flap price, and is on lighter paper.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of When the Sacred Ginmill Closes a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Arbor House first edition, 1986, 239 pages; the first printing is indicated by the full number line descending to 1 on the copyright page, consistent with Arbor House practice of the period, in a first-issue priced dust jacket.
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 Arbor House (1986) is the true first. A pivotal Matthew Scudder novel, developed from the earlier story By the Dawn's Early Light, widely regarded as one of the strongest in the series.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The book-club edition lacks the full number line to 1, carries a blind-stamped mark on the rear board, has no flap price, and is on lighter paper.
I have a first edition of When the Sacred Ginmill Closes — 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.