The points of issue
Discworld 5. First impression of 7,200 copies published 26 May 1988, title page reading Victor Gollancz in association with Colin Smythe; the book was reprinted the same month under Gollancz's sole imprint, so the joint imprint plus the absence of any reprint statement identifies the first. Dust jacket with Josh Kirby artwork.
Is this the true first?
UK Gollancz/Colin Smythe joint-imprint first impression is the true first; the last Discworld novel to carry the joint imprint. US publication followed later, the Roc/Signet NAL paperback appearing in December 1989.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The May 1988 reprint and later printings under Gollancz alone, BCA book club copies, and Corgi paperbacks are not firsts.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Sourcery a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Discworld 5. First impression of 7,200 copies published 26 May 1988, title page reading Victor Gollancz in association with Colin Smythe; the book was reprinted the same month under Gollancz's sole imprint, so the joint imprint plus the absence of any reprint statement identifies the first. Dust jacket with Josh Kirby artwork.
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 Gollancz/Colin Smythe joint-imprint first impression is the true first; the last Discworld novel to carry the joint imprint. US publication followed later, the Roc/Signet NAL paperback appearing in December 1989.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The May 1988 reprint and later printings under Gollancz alone, BCA book club copies, and Corgi paperbacks are not firsts.
I have a first edition of Sourcery — 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.