The points of issue
London: Jonathan Cape, 1989 (32 Bedford Square; ISBN 0-224-02669-0). Boards, gilt spine; first-issue dust jacket priced to the flap and unclipped. Title page states 'First published 1989' for the first printing. The book includes a colour plate of Géricault's 'The Raft of the Medusa' facing page 124.
Is this the true first?
The UK Jonathan Cape edition (1989) is the true first, preceding the US Alfred A. Knopf edition (also 1989).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings add impression statements. Note: the Géricault colour plate is present in all editions (UK and North American), so it is NOT a point that distinguishes the first printing — rely on the 'First published 1989' statement and Cape imprint instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A History of the World in 10½ Chapters a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Jonathan Cape, 1989 (32 Bedford Square; ISBN 0-224-02669-0). Boards, gilt spine; first-issue dust jacket priced to the flap and unclipped. Title page states 'First published 1989' for the first printing. The book includes a colour plate of Géricault's 'The Raft of the Medusa' facing page 124.
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 UK Jonathan Cape edition (1989) is the true first, preceding the US Alfred A. Knopf edition (also 1989).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings add impression statements. Note: the Géricault colour plate is present in all editions (UK and North American), so it is NOT a point that distinguishes the first printing — rely on the 'First published 1989' statement and Cape imprint instead.
I have a first edition of A History of the World in 10½ Chapters — 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.