The points of issue
First UK edition, Viking (London), 1991, is the true first and the opening volume of the Regeneration trilogy. Bound in grey cloth boards with the spine lettered in red, white endpapers; a number line ending in 1 on the copyright page indicates the first impression. The dust jacket carries the Irene von Treskow illustration and is priced in pounds sterling. The US first is Dutton (A William Abrahams Book), New York, 1992.
Is this the true first?
UK Viking 1991 is the true first; the US Dutton 1992 is a first-thus. Booker-shortlisted and the most-collected volume of the trilogy.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No major club edition. Confirm the UK Viking 1991 imprint and number line versus the later US Dutton 1992 printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Regeneration a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition, Viking (London), 1991, is the true first and the opening volume of the Regeneration trilogy. Bound in grey cloth boards with the spine lettered in red, white endpapers; a number line ending in 1 on the copyright page indicates the first impression. The dust jacket carries the Irene von Treskow illustration and is priced in pounds sterling. The US first is Dutton (A William Abrahams Book), New York, 1992.
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 Viking 1991 is the true first; the US Dutton 1992 is a first-thus. Booker-shortlisted and the most-collected volume of the trilogy.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No major club edition. Confirm the UK Viking 1991 imprint and number line versus the later US Dutton 1992 printing.
I have a first edition of Regeneration — 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.