The points of issue
First US edition from Scribner, complete number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
The UK Hodder edition (August 28, 2002) preceded the US Scribner edition (September 24, 2002) by nearly a month, so the Hodder issue is the true world first; the Scribner printing is the first US edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
BCE markings.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of From a Buick 8 a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First US edition from Scribner, complete number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 on the copyright page.
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 Hodder edition (August 28, 2002) preceded the US Scribner edition (September 24, 2002) by nearly a month, so the Hodder issue is the true world first; the Scribner printing is the first US edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
BCE markings.
I have a first edition of From a Buick 8 — 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.