The points of issue
Illustrated by Dave McKean. US HarperCollins hardcover published July 2002 with First Edition stated and a full number line ending in 1. UK Bloomsbury hardcover followed in August 2002.
Is this the true first?
US HarperCollins (July 2002) precedes UK Bloomsbury (August 2002), so the US edition is the true first. The Subterranean Press signed limited is a later 2007 edition, collectible but not a first-year issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings differ; a first printing requires the complete number line ending in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Coraline a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Illustrated by Dave McKean. US HarperCollins hardcover published July 2002 with First Edition stated and a full number line ending in 1. UK Bloomsbury hardcover followed in August 2002.
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. US HarperCollins (July 2002) precedes UK Bloomsbury (August 2002), so the US edition is the true first. The Subterranean Press signed limited is a later 2007 edition, collectible but not a first-year issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings differ; a first printing requires the complete number line ending in 1.
I have a first edition of Coraline — 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.