The points of issue
First UK edition, Faber & Faber, London, 2018. 'First published in 2018 by Faber & Faber' on the copyright page with a number line descending to 1 on the first printing. Original boards in unclipped dust jacket priced 14.99 pounds; first-state jacket precedes the Booker win. Winner of the 2018 Booker Prize.
Is this the true first?
The UK Faber edition is the true first. The US edition (Graywolf Press) followed in 2018, typically as a trade paperback original.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Graywolf US edition is distinguished by imprint and format. Later Faber printings add a Booker band; the first printing is told by the number line descending to 1. No prominent book club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Milkman a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition, Faber & Faber, London, 2018. 'First published in 2018 by Faber & Faber' on the copyright page with a number line descending to 1 on the first printing. Original boards in unclipped dust jacket priced 14.99 pounds; first-state jacket precedes the Booker win. Winner of the 2018 Booker Prize.
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 Faber edition is the true first. The US edition (Graywolf Press) followed in 2018, typically as a trade paperback original.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Graywolf US edition is distinguished by imprint and format. Later Faber printings add a Booker band; the first printing is told by the number line descending to 1. No prominent book club edition.
I have a first edition of Milkman — 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.