The points of issue
UK Faber first (May 2017): "First published in 2017 by Faber & Faber" on the copyright page with a full number line down to 1. Yellow boards lettered in black to the spine, typographical endpapers, in dust jacket. ISBN 9780571333127. Rooney's debut, with a modest first printing before her breakout.
Is this the true first?
UK Faber (May 2017) is the true first, preceding the US Hogarth edition (2017/2018). As her scarce debut, the UK first/first is the key collectible; signed copies are sought.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition issue; confirm via the full number line to 1 and the Faber imprint. The US Hogarth edition is a first American, not the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Conversations with Friends a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Faber first (May 2017): "First published in 2017 by Faber & Faber" on the copyright page with a full number line down to 1. Yellow boards lettered in black to the spine, typographical endpapers, in dust jacket. ISBN 9780571333127. Rooney's debut, with a modest first printing before her breakout.
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 Faber (May 2017) is the true first, preceding the US Hogarth edition (2017/2018). As her scarce debut, the UK first/first is the key collectible; signed copies are sought.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition issue; confirm via the full number line to 1 and the Faber imprint. The US Hogarth edition is a first American, not the true first.
I have a first edition of Conversations with Friends — 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.