The points of issue
Canadian McClelland & Stewart first printing, October 1988, in blue cloth boards lettered in silver on the spine, 421 pages (ISBN 0771008171 / 9780771008177). Copyright page shows the first printing with no later-printing line; first-state jacket unclipped with the price on the flap. Issued before the US Doubleday and UK editions of 1989.
Is this the true first?
True first is the Canadian M&S 1988 edition; Atwood is Canadian. The US Doubleday and UK printings are 1989 firsts-thus. Finalist for the 1988 Governor General's Award and shortlisted for the 1989 Booker Prize. A signed limited edition of 500 copies was also issued.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Doubleday Book Club editions exist (blind-stamp on the rear board, no price on the jacket, often a gutter-code letter); these are not the true first regardless of any printed First Edition line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Cat's Eye a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Canadian McClelland & Stewart first printing, October 1988, in blue cloth boards lettered in silver on the spine, 421 pages (ISBN 0771008171 / 9780771008177). Copyright page shows the first printing with no later-printing line; first-state jacket unclipped with the price on the flap. Issued before the US Doubleday and UK editions of 1989.
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. True first is the Canadian M&S 1988 edition; Atwood is Canadian. The US Doubleday and UK printings are 1989 firsts-thus. Finalist for the 1988 Governor General's Award and shortlisted for the 1989 Booker Prize. A signed limited edition of 500 copies was also issued.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Doubleday Book Club editions exist (blind-stamp on the rear board, no price on the jacket, often a gutter-code letter); these are not the true first regardless of any printed First Edition line.
I have a first edition of Cat's Eye — 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.