The points of issue
US Random House first, 1981, with 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page above a Random House number line. The first Arkady Renko novel; won the 1981 CWA Gold Dagger.
Is this the true first?
The US Random House 1981 edition is the true first; the UK Collins 1981 edition is a first-thus, consistent with the American author and American publication.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-of-the-Month Club editions are slightly smaller, lack the jacket price and the blind-stamped gutter code, and omit the 'FIRST EDITION' statement and number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Gorky Park a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Random House first, 1981, with 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page above a Random House number line. The first Arkady Renko novel; won the 1981 CWA Gold Dagger.
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 US Random House 1981 edition is the true first; the UK Collins 1981 edition is a first-thus, consistent with the American author and American publication.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-of-the-Month Club editions are slightly smaller, lack the jacket price and the blind-stamped gutter code, and omit the 'FIRST EDITION' statement and number line.
I have a first edition of Gorky Park — 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.