How to Identify a First Edition of A Wrinkle in Time
By Books of Wonder | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the key points to spot a true first edition of Madeleine L'Engle's classic, including publisher, date, and copyright page clues.
Quick answer
To identify a first edition of A Wrinkle in Time, check the copyright page for 'First Edition' stated on the same line as the publisher, Farrar, Straus & Cudahy, and a 1962 date.
Why the copyright page is your first clue
Most first editions of A Wrinkle in Time were published by Farrar, Straus & Cudahy in 1962. The copyright page should clearly state 'First Edition'—usually on the same line as the publisher name. Later printings often drop this line or add 'Second Printing' or later.
Check the dust jacket and price
The original dust jacket is a major value factor. Look for the price of $3.25 on the front flap. The jacket design should match the iconic first-issue art. Missing or damaged jackets significantly reduce the book's collectible value.
Beware of book club editions
Book club editions often mimic the first edition look but lack the stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page. They may also have a smaller size, cheaper binding, or a code like 'BOMC' on the rear of the jacket. Always verify the publisher imprint.
Step-by-step identification guide
- 1. Check the publisher and year: Open the book to the copyright page. Look for 'Farrar, Straus & Cudahy' as the publisher and '1962' as the copyright year. The publisher name should be on the same line as 'First Edition'. If the publisher is different or the year is later, it's not a first edition.
- 2. Look for the 'First Edition' statement: Search for the exact phrase 'First Edition' on the copyright page. It should be present and not accompanied by any printing number (like '2 3 4 5'). Absence of this statement or presence of a number line indicates a later printing.
- 3. Examine the dust jacket: If the book has a dust jacket, check the front flap for the original price of $3.25. Also verify the jacket art matches the first-issue design (a girl with a clock face). A missing or different price, or a different jacket design, lowers the collectible value.
- 4. Verify the binding and size: First editions were issued in cloth binding with a specific size (about 8.5 x 5.75 inches). Book club editions are often smaller or use different materials. Compare dimensions and binding quality to a known first edition if possible.
- 5. Check for book club indicators: Look for a code like 'BOMC' on the dust jacket flap or rear, or a small publisher's code on the copyright page. Book club editions often lack the 'First Edition' line. If you see a book club mark, it's not a true first edition.
Related rare book at Books of Wonder
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-glass and What Alice Found There: This Pennyroyal Press edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a two-volume elephant folio set, bound in three-quarter leather with marbled boards, published in 1982. Like A Wrinkle in Time, this edition's detailed production and limited printing make it a valuable collectible for rare book enthusiasts.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-glass and What Alice Found There
