To identify a first edition of Pearl S. Buck's The Good Earth

To identify a first edition of Pearl S. Buck's The Good Earth, look for the following key features: the copyright page should state "For the John Day Publishing Company, Inc." without mention of subsequent printings. The first issue also contains a typo on page 100, line 17, where "fleas" is misspelled as "flees". Additionally, the first edition was published in brown cloth with a tan dust jacket, featuring a simple brown-printed scene of a furrowed field and sun. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Publisher and Copyright Page: 

• The first edition, first printing will have "For the John Day Publishing Company, Inc." on the copyright page.
• Later printings will replace this with "John Day Company".

2. Typographical Error:

• A key point of identification is the misspelling of "fleas" as "flees" on page 100, line 17. 
• This error is present in the first three printings. 

3. Binding and Dust Jacket:

• The first edition was bound in brown cloth. 
• The original dust jacket was tan, featuring a simple illustration of a furrowed field and sun printed in brown. 
• First editions with the original dust jacket are highly sought after and can significantly increase the book's value. 

4. Other Potential Points:

• Some first editions may have a green topstain, but this detail is not universally agreed upon as a first issue point. 
• Signed first editions are particularly valuable. 
• The presence of a tipped-in flyer announcing the book as a Book of the Month Club selection is also a desirable feature. 

By carefully examining these points, you can determine if you have a first edition of The Good Earth.