The points of issue
Knopf Canada (Toronto) 2001 is the true first, preceding the UK Canongate 2002 (which won the Booker). The Canadian first has the Knopf Canada imprint and first-printing statement; the UK Canongate first is also collected. First printing number line/statement.
Is this the true first?
Knopf Canada 2001 is the true first; Canongate Edinburgh/London 2002 is the first UK (and the Booker-winning issue); Harcourt New York 2002 is the first US. The Canadian first precedes all.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Canongate and US editions distinguished by imprint and date; later printings shown by number line. The Booker tie-in and book club editions are not the true Canadian first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Life of Pi a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Knopf Canada (Toronto) 2001 is the true first, preceding the UK Canongate 2002 (which won the Booker). The Canadian first has the Knopf Canada imprint and first-printing statement; the UK Canongate first is also collected. First printing number line/statement.
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. Knopf Canada 2001 is the true first; Canongate Edinburgh/London 2002 is the first UK (and the Booker-winning issue); Harcourt New York 2002 is the first US. The Canadian first precedes all.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Canongate and US editions distinguished by imprint and date; later printings shown by number line. The Booker tie-in and book club editions are not the true Canadian first.
I have a first edition of Life of Pi — 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.