The points of issue
Little, Brown UK hardcover; copyright page states First published in Great Britain in 2002 with a full number line; priced, unclipped jacket.
Is this the true first?
UK Little, Brown hardcover (2002) is the true first; US publication followed later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
None notable.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Dead Air a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Little, Brown UK hardcover; copyright page states First published in Great Britain in 2002 with a full number line; priced, unclipped jacket.
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 Little, Brown hardcover (2002) is the true first; US publication followed later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
None notable.
I have a first edition of Dead Air — 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.