The points of issue
Self's first novel (subtitled A Cautionary Tale). Black boards with gilt titling to the spine; full number line ending in 1; price-clipped or priced dust jacket present. Octavo, 309 pages.
Is this the true first?
The UK Bloomsbury edition of 1993 is the true first, preceding the US Atlantic Monthly Press edition of 1994.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add an impression statement or drop the 1 from the number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of My Idea of Fun a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Self's first novel (subtitled A Cautionary Tale). Black boards with gilt titling to the spine; full number line ending in 1; price-clipped or priced dust jacket present. Octavo, 309 pages.
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 Bloomsbury edition of 1993 is the true first, preceding the US Atlantic Monthly Press edition of 1994.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add an impression statement or drop the 1 from the number line.
I have a first edition of My Idea of Fun — 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.