The points of issue
First English edition, Fitzcarraldo Editions 2017 (Jennifer Croft's translation of 'Bieguni'), in Fitzcarraldo's signature blue flexible card wrappers with french-fold flaps (paperback original, no dust jacket), with 'First published by Fitzcarraldo Editions in 2017' on the verso. The US Riverhead hardcover followed in 2018. 2018 International Booker Prize winner.
Is this the true first?
The Polish 'Bieguni' (Wydawnictwo Literackie, 2007) is the true first of the work; the Fitzcarraldo 2017 is the true first in English (Croft translation) and the prize-winning edition. The blue-wrapper Fitzcarraldo first is highly collected, with interest heightened by Tokarczuk's later Nobel Prize in Literature.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Riverhead US edition is distinguished by imprint and format (hardcover). Later Fitzcarraldo printings state additional impressions on the verso. No book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Flights a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First English edition, Fitzcarraldo Editions 2017 (Jennifer Croft's translation of 'Bieguni'), in Fitzcarraldo's signature blue flexible card wrappers with french-fold flaps (paperback original, no dust jacket), with 'First published by Fitzcarraldo Editions in 2017' on the verso. The US Riverhead hardcover followed in 2018. 2018 International Booker Prize winner.
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 Polish 'Bieguni' (Wydawnictwo Literackie, 2007) is the true first of the work; the Fitzcarraldo 2017 is the true first in English (Croft translation) and the prize-winning edition. The blue-wrapper Fitzcarraldo first is highly collected, with interest heightened by Tokarczuk's later Nobel Prize
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Riverhead US edition is distinguished by imprint and format (hardcover). Later Fitzcarraldo printings state additional impressions on the verso. No book-club edition.
I have a first edition of Flights — 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.