Check the copyright page for the words “First Edition,” “First Printing,” or “First Published”
Look for a number line; a first edition often has the lowest number present, such as “1”
Compare the publisher’s edition statement with known first edition identifiers for that title
Check the dust jacket for a price and first-printing indicators
Verify the publication date matches the first release date
Examine the title page and verso for printing history
Compare the book’s binding, cover, and ISBN with known first edition details
Consult a bibliographic reference or collector’s guide for that specific book
Ask a rare book dealer or librarian to authenticate it
Check for later-reprint markings such as “revised edition,” “book club edition,” or “second printing”