The points of issue
Zadie Smith's first short-story collection (nineteen stories). UK Hamish Hamilton hardcover with the publisher's full number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page; boards in dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
UK Hamish Hamilton (3 October 2019) precedes US Penguin Press (8 October 2019), so the UK printing is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings are identified by a number line that no longer ends in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Grand Union: Stories a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Zadie Smith's first short-story collection (nineteen stories). UK Hamish Hamilton hardcover with the publisher's full number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page; boards in dust jacket.
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 Hamish Hamilton (3 October 2019) precedes US Penguin Press (8 October 2019), so the UK printing is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings are identified by a number line that no longer ends in 1.
I have a first edition of Grand Union: Stories — 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.