The points of issue
French-language original, softcover, L'Association, Collection Ciboulette, 2000, 76 pp (ISBN 2-84414-058-0; ISBN-13 978-2-84414-058-6). Black-and-white throughout. Earliest printing carries an achevé d'imprimer dated 2000.
Is this the true first?
The French L'Association edition (four volumes, 2000-2003) is the true first edition of Persepolis. The US Pantheon (2003) and UK Jonathan Cape (2003) English editions are later translations. Tome 1 (2000) is the earliest volume.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. The English Pantheon volumes and the omnibus Complete Persepolis are later 'first thus' editions for English.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Persepolis (Tome 1) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: French-language original, softcover, L'Association, Collection Ciboulette, 2000, 76 pp (ISBN 2-84414-058-0; ISBN-13 978-2-84414-058-6). Black-and-white throughout. Earliest printing carries an achevé d'imprimer dated 2000.
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 French L'Association edition (four volumes, 2000-2003) is the true first edition of Persepolis. The US Pantheon (2003) and UK Jonathan Cape (2003) English editions are later translations. Tome 1 (2000) is the earliest volume.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. The English Pantheon volumes and the omnibus Complete Persepolis are later 'first thus' editions for English.
I have a first edition of Persepolis (Tome 1) — 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.