The points of issue
True first is the Canadian hardcover issued under the Viking imprint of Penguin Books Canada, 1987 — Robinson's debut and the first Inspector Banks novel. Identify it by the price stated in British pounds at the lower right of the dust-jacket flap and the Canadian Cataloguing in Publication data on the title-page verso. Bound in quarter green cloth with yellow spine lettering over yellow boards, with a full-page black-and-white map at the rear.
Is this the true first?
The 1987 Canadian Viking/Penguin hardcover is the true first. Robinson was Canadian and the book appeared in Canada before the UK and US editions, so the Canadian original has priority; later UK and US editions are first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
UK and US editions and any later printings are not the true first. The earlier record's claim of a 'Canadian Penguin paperback original' is incorrect — the priority issue is the Viking hardcover described above.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Gallows View a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the Canadian hardcover issued under the Viking imprint of Penguin Books Canada, 1987 — Robinson's debut and the first Inspector Banks novel. Identify it by the price stated in British pounds at the lower right of the dust-jacket flap and the Canadian Cataloguing in Publication data on the title-page verso. Bound in quarter green cloth with yellow spine lettering over yellow boards, with a full-page black-and-white map at the rear.
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 1987 Canadian Viking/Penguin hardcover is the true first. Robinson was Canadian and the book appeared in Canada before the UK and US editions, so the Canadian original has priority; later UK and US editions are first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
UK and US editions and any later printings are not the true first. The earlier record's claim of a 'Canadian Penguin paperback original' is incorrect — the priority issue is the Viking hardcover described above.
I have a first edition of Gallows View — 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.