The points of issue
Fourth and final Duffy novel under the Dan Kavanagh pseudonym. Boards with gilt spine; copyright page states 'First published 1987'. Octavo, 208 pages.
Is this the true first?
UK Viking (1987) is regarded as the true first; the US Pantheon edition also appeared in 1987. Both share the year, but the UK Viking issue takes precedence.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition relevant; later impressions are stated on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Going to the Dogs a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Fourth and final Duffy novel under the Dan Kavanagh pseudonym. Boards with gilt spine; copyright page states 'First published 1987'. Octavo, 208 pages.
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 Viking (1987) is regarded as the true first; the US Pantheon edition also appeared in 1987. Both share the year, but the UK Viking issue takes precedence.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition relevant; later impressions are stated on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Going to the Dogs — 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.