The points of issue
UK Voyager/HarperCollins hardcover, published 17 October 2005, precedes the US Bantam edition of 8 November 2005; first edition stated with number line ending in 1. Voyager also issued a signed limited edition of 1000 numbered slipcased copies (burgundy boards, gilt lettering, no jacket as issued, signed by Martin on the limitation page), sold through Amazon UK.
Is this the true first?
UK Voyager is the true first, preceding the US Bantam edition by about three weeks. The signed UK slipcased limited of 1000 copies is the premium issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
SFBC copies and later printings differ; the slipcased limited was issued without a dust jacket, so a jacketless limited copy is correct as issued.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Feast for Crows (ASOIAF 4) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Voyager/HarperCollins hardcover, published 17 October 2005, precedes the US Bantam edition of 8 November 2005; first edition stated with number line ending in 1. Voyager also issued a signed limited edition of 1000 numbered slipcased copies (burgundy boards, gilt lettering, no jacket as issued, signed by Martin on the limitation page), sold through Amazon UK.
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. UK Voyager is the true first, preceding the US Bantam edition by about three weeks. The signed UK slipcased limited of 1000 copies is the premium issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
SFBC copies and later printings differ; the slipcased limited was issued without a dust jacket, so a jacketless limited copy is correct as issued.
I have a first edition of A Feast for Crows (ASOIAF 4) — 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.