The points of issue
Story collection of nine tales. Hardback in boards with gilt-lettered spine, issued in dust jacket. First edition, first impression has the full number line ending in 1; the jacket carries a net price. Later printings state the impression.
Is this the true first?
The UK Jonathan Cape edition of 1994 precedes the US Pantheon edition of 1995, making the Cape printing the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club and later trade impressions identify the later impression on the copyright page; the true first carries the complete number line down to 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of East, West a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Story collection of nine tales. Hardback in boards with gilt-lettered spine, issued in dust jacket. First edition, first impression has the full number line ending in 1; the jacket carries a net price. Later printings state the impression.
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. The UK Jonathan Cape edition of 1994 precedes the US Pantheon edition of 1995, making the Cape printing the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club and later trade impressions identify the later impression on the copyright page; the true first carries the complete number line down to 1.
I have a first edition of East, West — 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.