The points of issue
London: Jonathan Cape, 1980. Barnes's first novel. Blue-grey boards, silver-blocked spine, grey endpapers; black dust jacket lettered in silver and white with a Jerry Bauer author photograph to the lower panel, priced to the flap and unclipped. Title page states 'First published 1980'. The novel later won the Somerset Maugham Award. Scarce as the debut.
Is this the true first?
The UK Jonathan Cape edition (1980) is the true first, preceding the US St. Martin's Press edition (also 1980).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add printing statements. A separate Book Club issue also exists for 1980 and should not be taken for the Cape first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Metroland a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Jonathan Cape, 1980. Barnes's first novel. Blue-grey boards, silver-blocked spine, grey endpapers; black dust jacket lettered in silver and white with a Jerry Bauer author photograph to the lower panel, priced to the flap and unclipped. Title page states 'First published 1980'. The novel later won the Somerset Maugham Award. Scarce as the debut.
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 Jonathan Cape edition (1980) is the true first, preceding the US St. Martin's Press edition (also 1980).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add printing statements. A separate Book Club issue also exists for 1980 and should not be taken for the Cape first.
I have a first edition of Metroland — 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.