The points of issue
Boni & Liveright first edition, 1926, foreword by Allen Tate; cloth in dust jacket. Edition of 500 copies. The recognized first-issue point is the title-page misprint reading 'Allan Tate' (instead of 'Allen'); only a small portion of the run (roughly the review copies) carries the misspelling, which was corrected during the run. Crane's first book; the original jacket is scarce.
Is this the true first?
US true first and Crane's debut. The first-issue point is the 'Allan Tate' title-page error; the corrected 'Allen Tate' state is also within the 1926 first edition. Original jacket is rare; signed copies are very scarce (Crane died 1932).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. The trap is later reissues or copies lacking the original jacket, not a book club.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of White Buildings a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Boni & Liveright first edition, 1926, foreword by Allen Tate; cloth in dust jacket. Edition of 500 copies. The recognized first-issue point is the title-page misprint reading 'Allan Tate' (instead of 'Allen'); only a small portion of the run (roughly the review copies) carries the misspelling, which was corrected during the run. Crane's first book; the original jacket is scarce.
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 true first and Crane's debut. The first-issue point is the 'Allan Tate' title-page error; the corrected 'Allen Tate' state is also within the 1926 first edition. Original jacket is rare; signed copies are very scarce (Crane died 1932).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. The trap is later reissues or copies lacking the original jacket, not a book club.
I have a first edition of White Buildings — 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.