The points of issue
The US Atheneum first printing carries the publisher's first-edition statement with a complete number line ending in 1 and a priced dust jacket. Octavo, cloth-backed boards. Fourth Earthsea book; winner of the Nebula Award for best novel.
Is this the true first?
The US Atheneum/Macmillan edition is the true first; the UK Gollancz edition followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club printings lack the first-edition statement and number line and carry an unpriced jacket; some show a blind gutter code on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tehanu: The Last Book of Earthsea a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The US Atheneum first printing carries the publisher's first-edition statement with a complete number line ending in 1 and a priced dust jacket. Octavo, cloth-backed boards. Fourth Earthsea book; winner of the Nebula Award for best novel.
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 US Atheneum/Macmillan edition is the true first; the UK Gollancz edition followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club printings lack the first-edition statement and number line and carry an unpriced jacket; some show a blind gutter code on the rear board.
I have a first edition of Tehanu: The Last Book of Earthsea — 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.