The points of issue
Discworld 7. First impression of 12,300 copies published 15 June 1989; original boards in dust jacket with Josh Kirby artwork; no reprint or later-impression statement on the first. Reprinted six times. Winner of the BSFA Best Novel Award.
Is this the true first?
UK Gollancz true first; US publication followed, the Roc NAL paperback appearing in December 1989. Some publicity copies were stamped and numbered by the publicity department and sent out with a press release.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Guild Publishing/BCA book club copies and Corgi paperbacks are not firsts.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Pyramids a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Discworld 7. First impression of 12,300 copies published 15 June 1989; original boards in dust jacket with Josh Kirby artwork; no reprint or later-impression statement on the first. Reprinted six times. Winner of the BSFA Best Novel Award.
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 Gollancz true first; US publication followed, the Roc NAL paperback appearing in December 1989. Some publicity copies were stamped and numbered by the publicity department and sent out with a press release.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Guild Publishing/BCA book club copies and Corgi paperbacks are not firsts.
I have a first edition of Pyramids — 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.