The points of issue
On the US Riverhead issue, the copyright page reads First Edition with a full number line ending in 1. First-state jacket without later Booker-shortlist blurbs.
Is this the true first?
Both editions appeared in March 2017, but the UK Hamish Hamilton hardcover (early March) slightly preceded the US Riverhead (a few days later), so the UK is arguably the true first; both are collected. Booker Prize shortlist.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Later printings drop the terminal 1 from the number line and add award blurbs to the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Exit West a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: On the US Riverhead issue, the copyright page reads First Edition with a full number line ending in 1. First-state jacket without later Booker-shortlist blurbs.
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. Both editions appeared in March 2017, but the UK Hamish Hamilton hardcover (early March) slightly preceded the US Riverhead (a few days later), so the UK is arguably the true first; both are collected. Booker Prize shortlist.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Later printings drop the terminal 1 from the number line and add award blurbs to the jacket.
I have a first edition of Exit 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.