The points of issue
UK Voyager hardcover, London, published 21 March 1996, is the first edition; first printings state first publication by Voyager 1996 on the copyright page with a printing line ending in 1, and the jacket should be unclipped. The US Bantam Spectra paperback followed in April 1996.
Is this the true first?
UK Voyager hardcover is the true first; it preceded the US Bantam Spectra paperback by several weeks.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US book club hardcover editions exist; they lack a jacket price and printing line and are not first editions.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Royal Assassin (Farseer 2) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Voyager hardcover, London, published 21 March 1996, is the first edition; first printings state first publication by Voyager 1996 on the copyright page with a printing line ending in 1, and the jacket should be unclipped. The US Bantam Spectra paperback followed in April 1996.
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 Voyager hardcover is the true first; it preceded the US Bantam Spectra paperback by several weeks.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US book club hardcover editions exist; they lack a jacket price and printing line and are not first editions.
I have a first edition of Royal Assassin (Farseer 2) — 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.