The points of issue
London: Jonathan Cape, 1983. Rushdie's third novel. Black boards lettered in gilt on the spine; textured-paper dust jacket designed by Mon Mohan, priced to the flap and unclipped. Title page states 'First published 1983'. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
Is this the true first?
The UK Jonathan Cape edition (1983) is the true first, preceding the US Alfred A. Knopf edition (also 1983).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add printing/impression statements; first printing carries only 'First published 1983'.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Shame a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Jonathan Cape, 1983. Rushdie's third novel. Black boards lettered in gilt on the spine; textured-paper dust jacket designed by Mon Mohan, priced to the flap and unclipped. Title page states 'First published 1983'. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
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 Jonathan Cape edition (1983) is the true first, preceding the US Alfred A. Knopf edition (also 1983).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add printing/impression statements; first printing carries only 'First published 1983'.
I have a first edition of Shame — 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.