The points of issue
London: Hamish Hamilton, 2012. The UK first carries the British Penguin-convention number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 (note the included 10), not a descending line ending in 1; a line ending in 1, together with a US dollar price on the front flap, identifies the US Penguin Press edition. Copyright page states first publication in 2012 by Hamish Hamilton; original boards and sterling-priced unclipped dust jacket (verify the exact figure per copy). The UK Hamish Hamilton edition (27 August 2012) precedes the US Penguin Press First American Edition (4 September 2012).
Is this the true first?
The UK Hamish Hamilton 2012 edition is the true first; the US Penguin Press is the First American Edition and a first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No club edition; distinguish the UK Hamish Hamilton first (number line including 10) from the US Penguin Press printing (line ending in 1, dollar-priced flap).
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of NW a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Hamish Hamilton, 2012. The UK first carries the British Penguin-convention number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 (note the included 10), not a descending line ending in 1; a line ending in 1, together with a US dollar price on the front flap, identifies the US Penguin Press edition. Copyright page states first publication in 2012 by Hamish Hamilton; original boards and sterling-priced unclipped dust jacket (verify the exact figure per copy). The UK Hamish Hamilton edition (27 August 2012) precedes the US Penguin Press First American Edition (4 September
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 Hamish Hamilton 2012 edition is the true first; the US Penguin Press is the First American Edition and a first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No club edition; distinguish the UK Hamish Hamilton first (number line including 10) from the US Penguin Press printing (line ending in 1, dollar-priced flap).
I have a first edition of NW — 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.