The points of issue
Non-Discworld historical YA. UK Doubleday (London) 2012; first printing has a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
UK Doubleday true first (13 September 2012); US HarperCollins edition followed on 25 September 2012.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings show a shortened number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Dodger a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Non-Discworld historical YA. UK Doubleday (London) 2012; first printing has a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page.
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 Doubleday true first (13 September 2012); US HarperCollins edition followed on 25 September 2012.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings show a shortened number line.
I have a first edition of Dodger — 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.