The points of issue
Crime novel issued under the 'Dan Kavanagh' pseudonym; boards with gilt-lettered spine; copyright page states first published 1980 (ISBN 0-224-01822-1); original dust wrapper. First of the Duffy series.
Is this the true first?
UK Jonathan Cape (1980) precedes the US Pantheon edition (1986). True first under the 'Dan Kavanagh' pseudonym for Julian Barnes.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition noted.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Duffy a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Crime novel issued under the 'Dan Kavanagh' pseudonym; boards with gilt-lettered spine; copyright page states first published 1980 (ISBN 0-224-01822-1); original dust wrapper. First of the Duffy series.
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 Jonathan Cape (1980) precedes the US Pantheon edition (1986). True first under the 'Dan Kavanagh' pseudonym for Julian Barnes.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition noted.
I have a first edition of Duffy — 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.