The points of issue
Knopf 1985, a Borzoi book; copyright page states FIRST EDITION with the Borzoi colophon. Because the novel won the National Book Critics Circle Award and was later filmed, it was heavily reprinted, so a true first must show the stated FIRST EDITION with no additional-printing statement on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
US Knopf 1985 is the true first; the UK Chatto & Windus edition followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings and tie-in issues drop the stated FIRST EDITION; film tie-in and later trade reprints are common.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Accidental Tourist a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Knopf 1985, a Borzoi book; copyright page states FIRST EDITION with the Borzoi colophon. Because the novel won the National Book Critics Circle Award and was later filmed, it was heavily reprinted, so a true first must show the stated FIRST EDITION with no additional-printing statement on the copyright page.
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. US Knopf 1985 is the true first; the UK Chatto & Windus edition followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings and tie-in issues drop the stated FIRST EDITION; film tie-in and later trade reprints are common.
I have a first edition of The Accidental Tourist — 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.