The points of issue
Ishiguro's first story collection; boards with gilt spine lettering; copyright page carries a full number line ending in 1 (first impression) with no later-impression statement; dust jacket priced 14.99 net.
Is this the true first?
The UK Faber first edition (2009) precedes the US Knopf edition (2009) and is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add an impression statement and/or drop the 1 from the number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Ishiguro's first story collection; boards with gilt spine lettering; copyright page carries a full number line ending in 1 (first impression) with no later-impression statement; dust jacket priced 14.99 net.
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 first edition (2009) precedes the US Knopf edition (2009) and is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add an impression statement and/or drop the 1 from the number line.
I have a first edition of Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall — 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.