The points of issue
London: Jonathan Cape, 1984. Boards with gilt spine; 'First published 1984,' first impression. Dust jacket illustrated by David Hockney, priced £8.50 net (unclipped). Booker-shortlisted 1984.
Is this the true first?
The UK Jonathan Cape (1984) is the true first, preceding the US Knopf (1985).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add printing statements; the US Knopf edition is a separate setting. No prominent BCE.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Flaubert's Parrot a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Jonathan Cape, 1984. Boards with gilt spine; 'First published 1984,' first impression. Dust jacket illustrated by David Hockney, priced £8.50 net (unclipped). Booker-shortlisted 1984.
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 (1984) is the true first, preceding the US Knopf (1985).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add printing statements; the US Knopf edition is a separate setting. No prominent BCE.
I have a first edition of Flaubert's Parrot — 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.