The points of issue
Both English editions appeared in 2001, in different formats, so format matters. The US Knopf edition is a hardcover (Borzoi Books) stating 'First Edition' with the Borzoi colophon; translated by Erdag Goknar. The UK Faber edition of the same translation was issued in 2001 as a paperback original, not a hardback. Collectors seeking a first English hardcover therefore look to the Knopf printing; those treating earliest English appearance as paramount must weigh the Faber paperback original.
Is this the true first?
The English firsts are both 2001 (US Knopf hardcover and UK Faber paperback original). The Turkish 'Benim Adim Kirmizi' (Iletisim, 1998) is the true first in any language. The novel later won the IMPAC Dublin award, and Pamuk won the Nobel in 2006.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No major club edition is involved. The absolute true first is the 1998 Turkish edition. Among English printings, note that the UK Faber 2001 was a paperback original with no UK hardback, while the US Knopf 2001 is the first hardcover; precedence depends on whether you privilege format or earliest appearance.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of My Name Is Red a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Both English editions appeared in 2001, in different formats, so format matters. The US Knopf edition is a hardcover (Borzoi Books) stating 'First Edition' with the Borzoi colophon; translated by Erdag Goknar. The UK Faber edition of the same translation was issued in 2001 as a paperback original, not a hardback. Collectors seeking a first English hardcover therefore look to the Knopf printing; those treating earliest English appearance as paramount must weigh the Faber paperback original.
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 English firsts are both 2001 (US Knopf hardcover and UK Faber paperback original). The Turkish 'Benim Adim Kirmizi' (Iletisim, 1998) is the true first in any language. The novel later won the IMPAC Dublin award, and Pamuk won the Nobel in 2006.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No major club edition is involved. The absolute true first is the 1998 Turkish edition. Among English printings, note that the UK Faber 2001 was a paperback original with no UK hardback, while the US Knopf 2001 is the first hardcover; precedence depends on whether you privilege format or earliest appearance.
I have a first edition of My Name Is Red — 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.