The points of issue
Non-Discworld YA novel. UK Doubleday (London) 2008; first printing has the full number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
UK Doubleday true first (September 2008); US HarperCollins edition followed later the same month.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings show a shortened number line; UK first jacket is unclipped with printed price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Nation a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Non-Discworld YA novel. UK Doubleday (London) 2008; first printing has the full number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 on the copyright page.
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. UK Doubleday true first (September 2008); US HarperCollins edition followed later the same month.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings show a shortened number line; UK first jacket is unclipped with printed price.
I have a first edition of Nation — 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.