The points of issue
Borzoi/Knopf copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION' with the number-line descending to a terminal '1'; Borzoi colophon. Quarter light-blue cloth over grey paper boards with gilt lettering; confirm the jacket flap price is unclipped. Moore's first novel (her second book).
Is this the true first?
The US Knopf hardcover (1986) is the true first; a UK Faber edition followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club issues omit the number-line and the jacket flap price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Anagrams a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Borzoi/Knopf copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION' with the number-line descending to a terminal '1'; Borzoi colophon. Quarter light-blue cloth over grey paper boards with gilt lettering; confirm the jacket flap price is unclipped. Moore's first novel (her second book).
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 Knopf hardcover (1986) is the true first; a UK Faber edition followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club issues omit the number-line and the jacket flap price.
I have a first edition of Anagrams — 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.