The points of issue
The true first English edition is the UK Faber and Faber hardback, published 6 May 2004 (ISBN 057121830X), translated by Maureen Freely. The US Alfred A. Knopf edition (Borzoi Books), translated by the same Maureen Freely, was published roughly three months later in August 2004 and states 'First American Edition' on the copyright page, with a Chip Kidd jacket and red boards quarter-bound in black cloth (ISBN 0375406972). By Knopf's own convention, the wording 'First American Edition' rather than 'First Edition' signals that the book had already been published abroad, confirming that the UK Faber edition precedes it.
Is this the true first?
The UK Faber 2004 hardback is the first English-language edition; the US Knopf 2004 is the first American edition only, published about three months later. The Turkish 'Kar' (Iletisim, 2002) is the true first in any language.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No club edition is involved. The absolute true first is the 2002 Turkish edition. Among English printings, the UK Faber hardback precedes the US Knopf 'First American Edition,' reversing the common assumption that the Knopf is the English true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Snow a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first English edition is the UK Faber and Faber hardback, published 6 May 2004 (ISBN 057121830X), translated by Maureen Freely. The US Alfred A. Knopf edition (Borzoi Books), translated by the same Maureen Freely, was published roughly three months later in August 2004 and states 'First American Edition' on the copyright page, with a Chip Kidd jacket and red boards quarter-bound in black cloth (ISBN 0375406972). By Knopf's own convention, the wording 'First American Edition' rather than 'First Edition' signals that the book had already been publish
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 Faber 2004 hardback is the first English-language edition; the US Knopf 2004 is the first American edition only, published about three months later. The Turkish 'Kar' (Iletisim, 2002) is the true first in any language.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No club edition is involved. The absolute true first is the 2002 Turkish edition. Among English printings, the UK Faber hardback precedes the US Knopf 'First American Edition,' reversing the common assumption that the Knopf is the English true first.
I have a first edition 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.