The points of issue
Self's second story collection. The Bloomsbury first was issued as an original in spiral/ring-bound pictorial card boards with no separate dust jacket as issued; number line ending in 1. Note: hardcover cloth copies with a tan-and-black illustrated jacket also circulate, so confirm the binding before describing.
Is this the true first?
The UK Bloomsbury edition of 1994 is the true first, preceding the US Atlantic Monthly Press (Grove/Atlantic) edition of 1996.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add an impression statement; the standard Bloomsbury cloth/jacket format should not be assumed for the first issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Grey Area and Other Stories a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Self's second story collection. The Bloomsbury first was issued as an original in spiral/ring-bound pictorial card boards with no separate dust jacket as issued; number line ending in 1. Note: hardcover cloth copies with a tan-and-black illustrated jacket also circulate, so confirm the binding before describing.
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 UK Bloomsbury edition of 1994 is the true first, preceding the US Atlantic Monthly Press (Grove/Atlantic) edition of 1996.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add an impression statement; the standard Bloomsbury cloth/jacket format should not be assumed for the first issue.
I have a first edition of Grey Area and Other 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.