The points of issue
First printing has the full number line ending in '1' and 'FIRST EDITION' stated with the Borzoi device; first-issue dust jacket priced the printed price. A signed/limited issue of 400 copies, signed by Morrison, in slipcase, was issued.
Is this the true first?
The 400-copy signed limited (Knopf, 1987) is the deluxe apex; the trade first (number line to 1, stated First Edition) is the open-market true first. UK (Chatto & Windus, 1987) follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club copies are blind-stamped and lack 'First Edition'/full number line; the QPB/club editions are smaller and unpriced.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Beloved a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing has the full number line ending in '1' and 'FIRST EDITION' stated with the Borzoi device; first-issue dust jacket priced the printed price. A signed/limited issue of 400 copies, signed by Morrison, in slipcase, was issued.
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 400-copy signed limited (Knopf, 1987) is the deluxe apex; the trade first (number line to 1, stated First Edition) is the open-market true first. UK (Chatto & Windus, 1987) follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club copies are blind-stamped and lack 'First Edition'/full number line; the QPB/club editions are smaller and unpriced.
I have a first edition of Beloved — 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.