The points of issue
First edition, Faber and Faber, London, 1972. Issued simultaneously in publisher's scarlet (some copies orange) cloth lettered in gilt on the spine, in a typographic dust jacket printed in orange and black and priced 1.50 net, and in paper wraps with French flaps. Copyright page reads 'First published in 1972' with no later-impression statement. Baker & Wachs A8.
Is this the true first?
UK Faber 1972 is the true first, preceding the US Grove edition. The hardback in jacket is scarcer and is the preferred collected state over the simultaneous paper-wraps issue. An unclipped jacket with the price intact is desirable.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. The first impression is identified by the 'First published in 1972' statement with no additional impression line; later impressions are so stated.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Jumpers a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Faber and Faber, London, 1972. Issued simultaneously in publisher's scarlet (some copies orange) cloth lettered in gilt on the spine, in a typographic dust jacket printed in orange and black and priced 1.50 net, and in paper wraps with French flaps. Copyright page reads 'First published in 1972' with no later-impression statement. Baker & Wachs A8.
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 Faber 1972 is the true first, preceding the US Grove edition. The hardback in jacket is scarcer and is the preferred collected state over the simultaneous paper-wraps issue. An unclipped jacket with the price intact is desirable.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. The first impression is identified by the 'First published in 1972' statement with no additional impression line; later impressions are so stated.
I have a first edition of Jumpers — 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.