The points of issue
Zadie Smith's first essay collection. The US Penguin Press hardcover carries the publisher's full number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page; cloth-backed boards in dust jacket. The UK Hamish Hamilton hardcover is a separate, slightly later issue identified by the Penguin number line and date on its copyright page.
Is this the true first?
Precedence corrected. The US Penguin Press edition (mid-November 2009) was published ahead of the UK Hamish Hamilton edition (late November 2009), so the US printing is the true first. The earlier record's UK-first claim was incorrect.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings are identified by a number line that no longer ends in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Changing My Mind: Occasional Essays a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Zadie Smith's first essay collection. The US Penguin Press hardcover carries the publisher's full number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page; cloth-backed boards in dust jacket. The UK Hamish Hamilton hardcover is a separate, slightly later issue identified by the Penguin number line and date on its copyright page.
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. Precedence corrected. The US Penguin Press edition (mid-November 2009) was published ahead of the UK Hamish Hamilton edition (late November 2009), so the US printing is the true first. The earlier record's UK-first claim was incorrect.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings are identified by a number line that no longer ends in 1.
I have a first edition of Changing My Mind: Occasional Essays — 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.