The points of issue
Boards with gilt spine; first printing identified by a complete number line ending in 1. Dust jacket illustrated by Fraser Taylor, priced 13.99 net.
Is this the true first?
UK Jonathan Cape (1991) is the true first; the US/Canadian Knopf edition also appeared in 1991, with the UK Cape issue taking precedence.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition relevant; later impressions are stated on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Talking It Over a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Boards with gilt spine; first printing identified by a complete number line ending in 1. Dust jacket illustrated by Fraser Taylor, priced 13.99 net.
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 Jonathan Cape (1991) is the true first; the US/Canadian Knopf edition also appeared in 1991, with the UK Cape issue taking precedence.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition relevant; later impressions are stated on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Talking It Over — 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.