The points of issue
Second Duffy novel under the Dan Kavanagh pseudonym. Black boards, gilt-lettered spine; title page reads Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London. Copyright page states 'First published 1981' with no later impressions noted.
Is this the true first?
UK Jonathan Cape (1981) is the true first; the US Pantheon edition followed in 1986.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition relevant; later printings/impressions are stated on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Fiddle City a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Second Duffy novel under the Dan Kavanagh pseudonym. Black boards, gilt-lettered spine; title page reads Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London. Copyright page states 'First published 1981' with no later impressions noted.
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 (1981) is the true first; the US Pantheon edition followed in 1986.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition relevant; later printings/impressions are stated on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Fiddle City — 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.