The points of issue
Discworld 20. UK Gollancz, published 7 November 1996 (ISBN 0-575-06403-X). Copyright page states first publication by Victor Gollancz 1996 with no impression statement. It reprinted several times in November and December 1996, so checking for the absence of an impression statement is essential. Original boards with Josh Kirby dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
UK Gollancz true first; the US HarperPrism edition follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Numerous same-year reprints exist and carry impression statements; book club copies also differ from the trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Hogfather a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Discworld 20. UK Gollancz, published 7 November 1996 (ISBN 0-575-06403-X). Copyright page states first publication by Victor Gollancz 1996 with no impression statement. It reprinted several times in November and December 1996, so checking for the absence of an impression statement is essential. Original boards with Josh Kirby 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 Gollancz true first; the US HarperPrism edition follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Numerous same-year reprints exist and carry impression statements; book club copies also differ from the trade first.
I have a first edition of Hogfather — 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.