The points of issue
True first is the Small Beer Press hardcover, published July 2005 (not September), ISBN 1-931520-15-1 (9781931520157). Small Beer issued the hardcover in two states: a signed, hand-numbered limited edition of 150 copies in cobalt-blue pearl linen cloth with two tipped-in plates, and a trade hardcover. Both precede the later mass-market Harcourt/Harvest trade edition. A true first carries no later-printing notice; second printing followed in October 2005.
Is this the true first?
The US Small Beer Press hardcover (2005) is the true first. The later Harcourt/Harvest (2006) trade paperback is a first-thus, not the first. Within the Small Beer issue, the signed limited of 150 in linen cloth is the most distinctive state, with the unsigned trade hardcover also a true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Any Harcourt or Harvest imprint copy is a later trade edition, not the first. Later Small Beer printings, including the October 2005 second printing, add an impression line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Magic for Beginners a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the Small Beer Press hardcover, published July 2005 (not September), ISBN 1-931520-15-1 (9781931520157). Small Beer issued the hardcover in two states: a signed, hand-numbered limited edition of 150 copies in cobalt-blue pearl linen cloth with two tipped-in plates, and a trade hardcover. Both precede the later mass-market Harcourt/Harvest trade edition. A true first carries no later-printing notice; second printing followed in October 2005.
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 US Small Beer Press hardcover (2005) is the true first. The later Harcourt/Harvest (2006) trade paperback is a first-thus, not the first. Within the Small Beer issue, the signed limited of 150 in linen cloth is the most distinctive state, with the unsigned trade hardcover also a true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Any Harcourt or Harvest imprint copy is a later trade edition, not the first. Later Small Beer printings, including the October 2005 second printing, add an impression line.
I have a first edition of Magic for Beginners — 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.