I have a hardback Catcher in the Rye book dated 1951 that has no printing dates and the edges of the pages opposite the binding are rough. Why is this book not considered a first edition. And, if someone could tell me why the edges of the pages are rough I would appreciate it. The top and bottom edges are smooth!

It has no printing date but the book is dated 1951?

Is it a knock off/copy?

It has no 'previous printing' dates but it does not specify 'first edition'.

What is printed on the title page's verso (back)? Please tell me everything on that page.

It has the copyright dates '45, '46, '51; 'All rights reserved' statement; the letter 'W'; 'Published simultaneously in Canada by McClelland and Stewart Limited' and 'Printed in the United States of America'

What are all the words and numbers on the title page?

Why "copyright dates '45, '46"? The book was first published in 1951.

Parts of the novel, before it was published, was printed in a couple of newspapers as short stories, these are the dates of 1945 and 1946. The book was actually published in 1951. This stuff is printed on the back of the title page. All of my 'Catcher in the Rye' books have these dates as well so I know this book is not a knock-off. How can I find out if this book was printed before the acclaimed first edition was? Or why the edges are rough?

Was the book published by Little, Brown?

Often the deckled page edges are done as a marketing/sales tool to make the book look "old" and "collectible." I am suspicious about that being done to a first edition.

The surest answer will be found at the reference desk at your local public library (be sure to take the book with you, or scan the title page, its verso, etc. to take with you) -- or if that library is small without professional staff, go to a city library's reference desk and be sure to connect with a professional librarian with a master's degree.

I see this on eBay (and there is mention on the verso of "First Edition") --

J.D. SALINGER The Catcher in the Rye Beautiful 1st ed | eBay

I've seen some books with deckled edges on all three sides but this one only has one side deckled. I know the printing process, then, had a lot to do with the deckled edges and I've read quite a bit about it, but haven't seen anything to do with only one edge deckled. It's a mystery to me, it may seem lame but I just want to find out why only one edge. As for going to the library, I work 11p - 7a and don't get out through the week so the library is kind of hard to get to. Thank you for your responses Wondergirl

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Originally Posted by tommynmisie

the library is kind of hard to get to. Thank you for your responses Wondergirl

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You're welcome. The library has a phone, so then call them Tues-Fri when you're awake. Usually library hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. so that should be good for your hours. If you won't call, then I will call several of my resources (top-notch librarians who specialize in rare and first edition books). Tell me what you plan to do and list the specific questions you want answered in the event I do it.

I was going to call them but I almost know they will say bring it in. I guess I could get an email address and send them photos. I just want to know why it isn't a first edition if it has no previous printing dates and only one deckled edge. Thank you so much Wondergirl for offering to help. If I can't find someone on here to answer these questions I will give them a call.

Well, there's a lot we could find out with just phone calls. Tell you what. I'll make my calls on Tuesday and post the answers. I'll betting you won't get any responses on this thread besides mine. I'm the resident librarian, and there aren't any others that spend time here.

I have a good friend who might know the answers to at least some of this. He's been a library cataloger most of his library career. He has tomorrow off, so I'll call him at home.

OMG, thank you so much. I'll Put some pix on here.

Just the basics, If it has no previous printing dates,why is it not a first edition and why the one deckled edge? Thank you so much, I don't know how I can ever repay you. Maybe if they could suggest the need to invest in the DJ or not. Thank you again.

I just called Tony, but he is apparently out and about spending all his Christmas money. I'll try again in an hour or so.

What did you mean by "Maybe if they could suggest the need to invest in the DJ or not"?

This book doesn't have a DustJacket but was it supposed to. I don't know. If it were supposed to, I would like to put one on it, if not, I'm not going to worry about it. Going back to bed, work tonight so I'll be up at 8p EST. Thank you again.

Tony said you really need to have the book evaluated by a used/rare book dealer (which can be done by phone and via computer). Your library reference department can point you to a good one or two, or let me know. Tony said there may have been a very short run for the First Edition, and that's why the ones on eBay have such a high price. Subsequent runs could have included the deckled edge in order to promote a sense of value. (He had no idea why only one edge was deckled.) Again, a reputable book dealer would be able to answer all your questions.