The points of issue
Stated 'First published 1989'; Jonathan Cape, thick novel in black boards; dust jacket priced 12.95 GBP on the front flap. A signed limited edition was also issued and is collected separately.
Is this the true first?
UK Cape (1989) is the true first; the US first edition followed from Harmony Books, New York (catalogued by various dealers as 1989 or 1990). The UK edition precedes.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No major book-club edition concern; uncorrected proofs are a distinct collectible state, not the first edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of London Fields a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Stated 'First published 1989'; Jonathan Cape, thick novel in black boards; dust jacket priced 12.95 GBP on the front flap. A signed limited edition was also issued and is collected separately.
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 Cape (1989) is the true first; the US first edition followed from Harmony Books, New York (catalogued by various dealers as 1989 or 1990). The UK edition precedes.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No major book-club edition concern; uncorrected proofs are a distinct collectible state, not the first edition.
I have a first edition of London Fields — 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.