The points of issue
Two novellas; first edition hardcover in boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket; 224 pp. First Bloomsbury printing with the price on the jacket. ISBN 0747512744.
Is this the true first?
UK Bloomsbury (1992) precedes the US Atlantic Monthly Press edition (1993).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions are stated on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Cock and Bull a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Two novellas; first edition hardcover in boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket; 224 pp. First Bloomsbury printing with the price on the jacket. ISBN 0747512744.
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. UK Bloomsbury (1992) precedes the US Atlantic Monthly Press edition (1993).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions are stated on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Cock and Bull — 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.