The points of issue
Hardback in boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket. A genre-blurring work adapted from four Oxford lectures (On Time, On Form, On Edge, On Offer and On Reflection), framed within a fictional narrative. First impression carries a complete number line ending in 1.
Is this the true first?
The UK Hamish Hamilton edition of 2012 is the true first, preceding the US edition of 2013.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions are indicated by a number line that no longer ends in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Artful a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Hardback in boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket. A genre-blurring work adapted from four Oxford lectures (On Time, On Form, On Edge, On Offer and On Reflection), framed within a fictional narrative. First impression carries a complete number line ending in 1.
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 Hamish Hamilton edition of 2012 is the true first, preceding the US edition of 2013.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions are indicated by a number line that no longer ends in 1.
I have a first edition of Artful — 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.