The points of issue
UK Gollancz 1990 hardcover in the yellow Gollancz jacket; copyright page 'First published in Great Britain 1990' with no later printings. First state has the yellow jacket and 1990-only dating. The US Workman edition (1990) is a separate first American.
Is this the true first?
UK Gollancz 1990 is the true world first. US Workman (1990) is first American (paperback original in the US). The Gollancz hardcover first is the premier collectible; signed copies (both authors) command large premiums.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions list additional printings; the US Workman paperback is a different format. The yellow Gollancz hardcover jacket with the 1990 first-publication line is decisive.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Good Omens a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Gollancz 1990 hardcover in the yellow Gollancz jacket; copyright page 'First published in Great Britain 1990' with no later printings. First state has the yellow jacket and 1990-only dating. The US Workman edition (1990) is a separate first American.
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 Gollancz 1990 is the true world first. US Workman (1990) is first American (paperback original in the US). The Gollancz hardcover first is the premier collectible; signed copies (both authors) command large premiums.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions list additional printings; the US Workman paperback is a different format. The yellow Gollancz hardcover jacket with the 1990 first-publication line is decisive.
I have a first edition of Good Omens — 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.