The points of issue
Sceptre (Hodder & Stoughton) London 2004. First printing copyright page with full number line ending in '1'; dust jacket priced £16.99. Publisher's boards.
Is this the true first?
Sceptre London 2004 is the true first; Random House New York 2004 is the first US.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Number line not ending in '1' indicates a later printing; US edition carries Random House imprint. Film-tie-in and book club editions are distinct.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Cloud Atlas a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Sceptre (Hodder & Stoughton) London 2004. First printing copyright page with full number line ending in '1'; dust jacket priced £16.99. Publisher's boards.
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. Sceptre London 2004 is the true first; Random House New York 2004 is the first US.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Number line not ending in '1' indicates a later printing; US edition carries Random House imprint. Film-tie-in and book club editions are distinct.
I have a first edition of Cloud Atlas — 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.