The points of issue
The first English-language edition is the UK Harvill Secker hardcover of 2012, titled A Death in the Family, translated by Don Bartlett, with a full number line down to 1. It was a hardcover original. The US Archipelago edition, titled My Struggle: Book One, did not appear until 2014 and is a separate first-American printing.
Is this the true first?
The absolute first is the Norwegian original, Min kamp 1 (Forlaget Oktober, 2009). The UK Harvill Secker 2012 is the first edition in English; the US Archipelago 2014 is a distinct first American edition with a different title. Distinguish all three: Norwegian original, UK first English, US first American.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition is a factor. The key identity point is the differing title: UK A Death in the Family versus US My Struggle: Book One. The UK 2012 precedes the US 2014 in English.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of My Struggle: Book 1 (A Death in the Family) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The first English-language edition is the UK Harvill Secker hardcover of 2012, titled A Death in the Family, translated by Don Bartlett, with a full number line down to 1. It was a hardcover original. The US Archipelago edition, titled My Struggle: Book One, did not appear until 2014 and is a separate first-American printing.
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 absolute first is the Norwegian original, Min kamp 1 (Forlaget Oktober, 2009). The UK Harvill Secker 2012 is the first edition in English; the US Archipelago 2014 is a distinct first American edition with a different title. Distinguish all three: Norwegian original, UK first English, US first Am
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition is a factor. The key identity point is the differing title: UK A Death in the Family versus US My Struggle: Book One. The UK 2012 precedes the US 2014 in English.
I have a first edition of My Struggle: Book 1 (A Death in the Family) — 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.