I believe that in the "book dealer" business, the "true" first edition has the following key points: 1. (and this is the big one) the dust jacket has a listing of other Bobbs Merrill books on the back cover and no picture of Rand. 2. It states it is a "first edition" on the copyright page 3. The covers are reddish burgandy 4. The top edge of the pages (looking at the top of the closed book) are stained a dark red 5. The side edge of the pages (looking at the long side of the closed book) are rough cut or lightly torn in appearance rather than a smooth edge The real key is the dust jacket.