The points of issue
UK Hodder & Stoughton first, 1980. Copyright page dated 1980, no later-impression statement; dust jacket priced in £. Concludes the Karla trilogy.
Is this the true first?
UK Hodder & Stoughton 1980 is the true first, preceding the US Knopf edition (1980). The UK first is the collected copy; signed copies sought.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
BCA UK club editions and the US Knopf first are separate. Confirm by Hodder imprint and absence of impression statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Smiley's People a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Hodder & Stoughton first, 1980. Copyright page dated 1980, no later-impression statement; dust jacket priced in £. Concludes the Karla trilogy.
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 Hodder & Stoughton 1980 is the true first, preceding the US Knopf edition (1980). The UK first is the collected copy; signed copies sought.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
BCA UK club editions and the US Knopf first are separate. Confirm by Hodder imprint and absence of impression statement.
I have a first edition of Smiley's People — 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.