The points of issue
The US Riverhead edition was published in September 2014; the UK Oneworld edition followed in October 2014 (not 2015). The Riverhead first thus precedes the UK by about a month. First printing is told by a full number line ending in 1 (US Riverhead). The UK Oneworld first is identified by its imprint and 2014 verso statement.
Is this the true first?
The US Riverhead 2014 (September) precedes the UK Oneworld 2014 (October) by roughly one month and is the effective true first. Both are 2014 editions; the prior record's UK date of 2015 was incorrect.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The UK Oneworld first is distinguished by imprint and the 2014 date; the US Riverhead carries the US price. No prominent book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Brief History of Seven Killings a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The US Riverhead edition was published in September 2014; the UK Oneworld edition followed in October 2014 (not 2015). The Riverhead first thus precedes the UK by about a month. First printing is told by a full number line ending in 1 (US Riverhead). The UK Oneworld first is identified by its imprint and 2014 verso statement.
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. The US Riverhead 2014 (September) precedes the UK Oneworld 2014 (October) by roughly one month and is the effective true first. Both are 2014 editions; the prior record's UK date of 2015 was incorrect.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The UK Oneworld first is distinguished by imprint and the 2014 date; the US Riverhead carries the US price. No prominent book-club edition.
I have a first edition of A Brief History of Seven Killings — 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.