The points of issue
First UK edition, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London, 1972, is the true first and precedes the American edition. Bound in patterned paper-covered boards (described as green marble-patterned, or tan), the spine lettered in red and black; this is NOT cloth. The red dust jacket is notoriously prone to spine fading, with the spine panel commonly fading toward white, a well-documented point. The UK jacket is priced in pounds sterling, though the exact figure was not independently confirmed. The copyright-page wording First published 1972 is plausible per house practice but was not verbatim-confirmed, so verify on the copy in hand. The US first is Viking Press, New York, 1972 (not Pantheon).
Is this the true first?
UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson 1972 is the true first; the US Viking Press 1972 is the first-thus (not Pantheon). 1972 Booker Prize winner, famous for Berger donating half the prize to the Black Panthers.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No major club edition. Confirm the UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson 1972 imprint versus the US Viking Press printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of G. a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London, 1972, is the true first and precedes the American edition. Bound in patterned paper-covered boards (described as green marble-patterned, or tan), the spine lettered in red and black; this is NOT cloth. The red dust jacket is notoriously prone to spine fading, with the spine panel commonly fading toward white, a well-documented point. The UK jacket is priced in pounds sterling, though the exact figure was not independently confirmed. The copyright-page wording First published 1972 is plausible per house practi
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 Weidenfeld & Nicolson 1972 is the true first; the US Viking Press 1972 is the first-thus (not Pantheon). 1972 Booker Prize winner, famous for Berger donating half the prize to the Black Panthers.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No major club edition. Confirm the UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson 1972 imprint versus the US Viking Press printing.
I have a first edition of G. — 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.