The points of issue
TRUE FIRST overall is the Danish original 'Frøken Smillas fornemmelse for sne' (Rosinante, 1992). English firsts diverge by title: the US FSG 1993 is 'Smilla's Sense of Snow' (number line to 1); the UK Harvill 1993 is titled 'Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow.' Note the differing titles between US and UK firsts.
Is this the true first?
Precedence: the Danish original (1992) is the world first. The US and UK English firsts (both 1993) carry DIFFERENT TITLES — a frequent point of confusion. Each is the first for its market.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Confirm each market's first by imprint, title, and number line/first-printing statement. Club editions lack the priced jacket and carry club indicia.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Smilla's Sense of Snow a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: TRUE FIRST overall is the Danish original 'Frøken Smillas fornemmelse for sne' (Rosinante, 1992). English firsts diverge by title: the US FSG 1993 is 'Smilla's Sense of Snow' (number line to 1); the UK Harvill 1993 is titled 'Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow.' Note the differing titles between US and UK firsts.
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. Precedence: the Danish original (1992) is the world first. The US and UK English firsts (both 1993) carry DIFFERENT TITLES — a frequent point of confusion. Each is the first for its market.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Confirm each market's first by imprint, title, and number line/first-printing statement. Club editions lack the priced jacket and carry club indicia.
I have a first edition of Smilla's Sense of Snow — 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.