The points of issue
London: Hamish Hamilton, 2005. Copyright page states first publication in 2005 by Hamish Hamilton, with the full publisher number line present on the first impression. Original boards and dust jacket. Orange Prize winner; Booker-shortlisted. The UK Hamish Hamilton edition precedes the US Penguin Press edition of 2005.
Is this the true first?
The UK Hamish Hamilton 2005 edition is the true first; the US Penguin Press is a first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No major club edition; confirm the UK Hamish Hamilton imprint and stated first-publication line against the US Penguin Press printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of On Beauty a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Hamish Hamilton, 2005. Copyright page states first publication in 2005 by Hamish Hamilton, with the full publisher number line present on the first impression. Original boards and dust jacket. Orange Prize winner; Booker-shortlisted. The UK Hamish Hamilton edition precedes the US Penguin Press edition of 2005.
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 2005 edition is the true first; the US Penguin Press is a first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No major club edition; confirm the UK Hamish Hamilton imprint and stated first-publication line against the US Penguin Press printing.
I have a first edition of On Beauty — 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.