The points of issue
Copyright page states 'First published in 1983 by The Viking Press' with no number line; dust jacket carries the printed price.
Is this the true first?
The US Viking trade edition is the true first. A Donald M. Grant edition (1983), limited to 1,000 numbered copies signed by Stephen King and illustrator Stephen Gervais, exists as the deluxe state. The UK Hodder & Stoughton edition is the UK first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The book-club edition bears a blind-stamped gutter code on the rear board, smaller trim, and no printed price on the jacket flap. Distinguish from the Grant limited, which is numbered, signed, slipcased, and illustrated.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Christine a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states 'First published in 1983 by The Viking Press' with no number line; dust jacket carries the printed price.
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 US Viking trade edition is the true first. A Donald M. Grant edition (1983), limited to 1,000 numbered copies signed by Stephen King and illustrator Stephen Gervais, exists as the deluxe state. The UK Hodder & Stoughton edition is the UK first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The book-club edition bears a blind-stamped gutter code on the rear board, smaller trim, and no printed price on the jacket flap. Distinguish from the Grant limited, which is numbered, signed, slipcased, and illustrated.
I have a first edition of Christine — 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.