The points of issue
States 'First published 1993' by Hutchinson; the copyright-page number line runs down to 1 on the true first impression. Original green cloth lettered in silver, grey endpapers, in a priced dust jacket. Faulks's most collected book; the first impression precedes the US Random House edition (1996).
Is this the true first?
UK Hutchinson (1993) is the true first. The US Random House edition came in 1996. The UK strongly precedes. Confirm the Hutchinson imprint and that the number line ends in 1.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club and later Vintage paperback editions are reprints, not the first; check that the number line ends in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Birdsong a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: States 'First published 1993' by Hutchinson; the copyright-page number line runs down to 1 on the true first impression. Original green cloth lettered in silver, grey endpapers, in a priced dust jacket. Faulks's most collected book; the first impression precedes the US Random House edition (1996).
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 Hutchinson (1993) is the true first. The US Random House edition came in 1996. The UK strongly precedes. Confirm the Hutchinson imprint and that the number line ends in 1.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club and later Vintage paperback editions are reprints, not the first; check that the number line ends in 1.
I have a first edition of Birdsong — 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.