The points of issue
First edition, Faber and Faber, London, 1993, a paperback original in printed wrappers (green and black). There was no simultaneous trade hardback for the general issue. The first impression is identified by the copyright-page statement 'First published in 1993' with no later-impression statement.
Is this the true first?
UK Faber 1993 is the true first. Because Faber issued it as a paperback original, the printed-wrappers issue is the collected first; US editions are later. Signed first-impression copies are handled by major dealers such as Peter Harrington and Raptis.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Rely on the 'First published in 1993' statement and the absence of a later-impression line rather than on a number line, which Faber did not consistently apply to its drama paperbacks of this period.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Arcadia a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Faber and Faber, London, 1993, a paperback original in printed wrappers (green and black). There was no simultaneous trade hardback for the general issue. The first impression is identified by the copyright-page statement 'First published in 1993' with no later-impression statement.
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 Faber 1993 is the true first. Because Faber issued it as a paperback original, the printed-wrappers issue is the collected first; US editions are later. Signed first-impression copies are handled by major dealers such as Peter Harrington and Raptis.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Rely on the 'First published in 1993' statement and the absence of a later-impression line rather than on a number line, which Faber did not consistently apply to its drama paperbacks of this period.
I have a first edition of Arcadia — 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.