The points of issue
First US trade edition in English, translated by William Weaver. The first printing states 'First edition' on the copyright page with the letterline beginning at 'B' ('B C D E'); the 'A' is suppressed, which is the Harcourt first-printing convention. Dust jacket priced to the front flap, unclipped.
Is this the true first?
The US Harcourt edition of 1989 and the UK Secker & Warburg edition of 1989 appeared the same year; the US edition is generally taken as the trade first in English. The Italian original was published by Bompiani in 1988.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book-club edition exists, typically with a blind-stamp to the rear board and no jacket price; distinguish it by the stated 'First edition' letterline and the priced jacket on the trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Foucault's Pendulum (Il pendolo di Foucault) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First US trade edition in English, translated by William Weaver. The first printing states 'First edition' on the copyright page with the letterline beginning at 'B' ('B C D E'); the 'A' is suppressed, which is the Harcourt first-printing convention. Dust jacket priced to the front flap, unclipped.
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 US Harcourt edition of 1989 and the UK Secker & Warburg edition of 1989 appeared the same year; the US edition is generally taken as the trade first in English. The Italian original was published by Bompiani in 1988.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book-club edition exists, typically with a blind-stamp to the rear board and no jacket price; distinguish it by the stated 'First edition' letterline and the priced jacket on the trade first.
I have a first edition of Foucault's Pendulum (Il pendolo di Foucault) — 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.