The points of issue
True first issued by Viking (Elisabeth Sifton Books imprint) in 1985. Identify by the copyright-page printing statement showing the first printing (number line terminating in 1, with a 'First published in 1985' / first-printing notation) and a first-issue dust jacket carrying the original price on the front flap. A separately issued signed/limited state also exists.
Is this the true first?
US Viking first (1985) is the true first edition. The UK edition (Andre Deutsch) follows in 1986.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club edition for the trade first; later trade printings are marked by the number line and printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Carpenter's Gothic a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first issued by Viking (Elisabeth Sifton Books imprint) in 1985. Identify by the copyright-page printing statement showing the first printing (number line terminating in 1, with a 'First published in 1985' / first-printing notation) and a first-issue dust jacket carrying the original price on the front flap. A separately issued signed/limited state also exists.
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. US Viking first (1985) is the true first edition. The UK edition (Andre Deutsch) follows in 1986.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club edition for the trade first; later trade printings are marked by the number line and printing statement.
I have a first edition of Carpenter's Gothic — 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.