The points of issue
London: Viking, 1992. Copyright page reads first published by Viking 1992, with an intact number line on the first impression; original black cloth lettered in silver to the spine. The UK Viking 1992 edition precedes the US Atheneum edition of 1993. Note that first-issue jackets appear with export prices in other currencies, so jacket currency is not a reliable point of issue.
Is this the true first?
The UK Viking 1992 edition is the true first; the US Atheneum (1993) is a first-thus. Mantel's large French Revolution novel, written early in her career but published after several later works.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition; distinguish the UK Viking 1992 first from the later US printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Place of Greater Safety a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Viking, 1992. Copyright page reads first published by Viking 1992, with an intact number line on the first impression; original black cloth lettered in silver to the spine. The UK Viking 1992 edition precedes the US Atheneum edition of 1993. Note that first-issue jackets appear with export prices in other currencies, so jacket currency is not a reliable point of issue.
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 Viking 1992 edition is the true first; the US Atheneum (1993) is a first-thus. Mantel's large French Revolution novel, written early in her career but published after several later works.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition; distinguish the UK Viking 1992 first from the later US printing.
I have a first edition of A Place of Greater Safety — 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.