The points of issue
First edition, Drawn & Quarterly, Montreal, 2011, hardcover in illustrated paper-covered boards, 168 pages, ISBN 978-1-77046-060-5, published September 2011. The first printing carries no later-printing notice in the indicia; later printings add a printing statement or shortened number line.
Is this the true first?
Canadian/US true first (Drawn & Quarterly, Montreal). Distinguish the first printing from later printings by the indicia. Earlier material originated as the web comic; the 2011 D&Q hardcover is the first book collection.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Later printings are identified by an added printing statement or number line in the indicia. Verify the 2011 D&Q first printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Hark! A Vagrant a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Drawn & Quarterly, Montreal, 2011, hardcover in illustrated paper-covered boards, 168 pages, ISBN 978-1-77046-060-5, published September 2011. The first printing carries no later-printing notice in the indicia; later printings add a printing statement or shortened number line.
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. Canadian/US true first (Drawn & Quarterly, Montreal). Distinguish the first printing from later printings by the indicia. Earlier material originated as the web comic; the 2011 D&Q hardcover is the first book collection.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Later printings are identified by an added printing statement or number line in the indicia. Verify the 2011 D&Q first printing.
I have a first edition of Hark! A Vagrant — 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.