The points of issue
First complete English-language edition, gathering all three books in a single volume. Translated by Jay Rubin (Books 1-2) and Philip Gabriel (Book 3). Borzoi colophon on the copyright page; first printing carries the full number line. Distinctive semi-transparent (translucent) dust jacket designed by Chip Kidd and Maggie Hinders.
Is this the true first?
Knopf US October 2011 one-volume edition is the first complete English-language edition. The UK Harvill Secker issue is contemporaneous but a different format: Books 1-2 published 18 October 2011, Book 3 published 25 October 2011, two physical volumes. The Japanese original appeared 2009-2010.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Vintage paperback is the reprint. Distinguish the US single-volume first from the UK two-volume split issue (and from the Harvill Secker perspex-jacketed limited edition of 111 copies).
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of 1Q84 a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First complete English-language edition, gathering all three books in a single volume. Translated by Jay Rubin (Books 1-2) and Philip Gabriel (Book 3). Borzoi colophon on the copyright page; first printing carries the full number line. Distinctive semi-transparent (translucent) dust jacket designed by Chip Kidd and Maggie Hinders.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. Knopf US October 2011 one-volume edition is the first complete English-language edition. The UK Harvill Secker issue is contemporaneous but a different format: Books 1-2 published 18 October 2011, Book 3 published 25 October 2011, two physical volumes. The Japanese original appeared 2009-2010.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Vintage paperback is the reprint. Distinguish the US single-volume first from the UK two-volume split issue (and from the Harvill Secker perspex-jacketed limited edition of 111 copies).
I have a first edition of 1Q84 — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.