The points of issue
Hardback in boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket. First impression carries a complete number line ending in 1. Issued in two variant printings with the book's two halves in reversed order; the two states are distinguished by a small icon on the cover and title page (an eye for the half that opens with the Renaissance painter, a camera for the half that opens with the contemporary teenager). Both variants are legitimate firsts.
Is this the true first?
The UK Hamish Hamilton edition of 2014 is the true first, preceding the US Pantheon edition of 2014. Both the eye-icon and camera-icon orderings are first-printing variants of equal standing.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions are indicated by a number line that no longer ends in 1; both ordering variants are genuine firsts.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of How to Be Both a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Hardback in boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket. First impression carries a complete number line ending in 1. Issued in two variant printings with the book's two halves in reversed order; the two states are distinguished by a small icon on the cover and title page (an eye for the half that opens with the Renaissance painter, a camera for the half that opens with the contemporary teenager). Both variants are legitimate firsts.
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 Hamish Hamilton edition of 2014 is the true first, preceding the US Pantheon edition of 2014. Both the eye-icon and camera-icon orderings are first-printing variants of equal standing.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions are indicated by a number line that no longer ends in 1; both ordering variants are genuine firsts.
I have a first edition of How to Be Both — 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.