The points of issue
Canadian McClelland & Stewart first printing, 1996, roughly 460 to 470 pages, with the copyright page showing the first printing and no further-printing line. First-state jacket unclipped with the price on the flap. US Doubleday and UK editions also appeared in 1996 but later.
Is this the true first?
Canadian M&S is the true first; Doubleday (US) and the UK edition are same-year firsts-thus. Winner of the 1996 Giller Prize and shortlisted for the 1996 Booker Prize.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Doubleday and book-club copies lack a printed jacket price and carry a rear-board blind-stamp; distinguish them from the trade Doubleday first, and both from the Canadian true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Alias Grace a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Canadian McClelland & Stewart first printing, 1996, roughly 460 to 470 pages, with the copyright page showing the first printing and no further-printing line. First-state jacket unclipped with the price on the flap. US Doubleday and UK editions also appeared in 1996 but later.
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. Canadian M&S is the true first; Doubleday (US) and the UK edition are same-year firsts-thus. Winner of the 1996 Giller Prize and shortlisted for the 1996 Booker Prize.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Doubleday and book-club copies lack a printed jacket price and carry a rear-board blind-stamp; distinguish them from the trade Doubleday first, and both from the Canadian true first.
I have a first edition of Alias Grace — 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.