The points of issue
Random House first edition, identified by 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page; this notation is removed on later printings. Subtitle 'An American Primitive.' Copyright 1948, first released in the United States January 1949.
Is this the true first?
US first edition; published by Random House. Dealers describe the first as 'First Edition; First Printing.'
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Reprints exist and omit the stated 'FIRST EDITION' line; book-club and later issues are reported, so confirm the stated-first notation.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Wicked Water a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Random House first edition, identified by 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page; this notation is removed on later printings. Subtitle 'An American Primitive.' Copyright 1948, first released in the United States January 1949.
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; published by Random House. Dealers describe the first as 'First Edition; First Printing.'
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Reprints exist and omit the stated 'FIRST EDITION' line; book-club and later issues are reported, so confirm the stated-first notation.
I have a first edition of Wicked Water — 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.