The points of issue
Story collection (25 stories). Hardback in boards with gilt spine lettering; full number line down to 1; dust jacket with UK price.
Is this the true first?
UK Simon & Schuster (2014) precedes the US Knopf edition (2015), whose copyright page states 'Originally published in Great Britain by Simon & Schuster, London, in 2014.'
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions are stated on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of England and Other Stories a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Story collection (25 stories). Hardback in boards with gilt spine lettering; full number line down to 1; dust jacket with UK price.
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 Simon & Schuster (2014) precedes the US Knopf edition (2015), whose copyright page states 'Originally published in Great Britain by Simon & Schuster, London, in 2014.'
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions are stated on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of England and Other Stories — 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.