The points of issue
The true first is Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd (London), 1989. Copyright page states 'First published in Great Britain in 1989' by Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd, London (ISBN 0436032678 / 9780436032677). Dark cloth boards with gilt spine titles; dust jacket priced 10.95 pounds (an unclipped jacket retaining the price is preferred). The UK Secker edition precedes the US first edition, which is Charles Scribner's Sons (Scribner), New York, also 1989 (ISBN 0684191806 / 9780684191805) — not a 1990 edition, and there is no Godine edition of this title.
Is this the true first?
UK Secker & Warburg 1989 is the true first. The US first edition (Charles Scribner's Sons, New York) also appeared in 1989, with the UK edition preceding it; it is not a 1990 publication. Booker-shortlisted; Guinness Peat Aviation Award winner.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition of note. Distinguish the true first by confirming the Secker & Warburg (London) imprint and the 'First published in Great Britain in 1989' statement, as opposed to the US Scribner printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Book of Evidence a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd (London), 1989. Copyright page states 'First published in Great Britain in 1989' by Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd, London (ISBN 0436032678 / 9780436032677). Dark cloth boards with gilt spine titles; dust jacket priced 10.95 pounds (an unclipped jacket retaining the price is preferred). The UK Secker edition precedes the US first edition, which is Charles Scribner's Sons (Scribner), New York, also 1989 (ISBN 0684191806 / 9780684191805) — not a 1990 edition, and there is no Godine edition of this title.
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 Secker & Warburg 1989 is the true first. The US first edition (Charles Scribner's Sons, New York) also appeared in 1989, with the UK edition preceding it; it is not a 1990 publication. Booker-shortlisted; Guinness Peat Aviation Award winner.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition of note. Distinguish the true first by confirming the Secker & Warburg (London) imprint and the 'First published in Great Britain in 1989' statement, as opposed to the US Scribner printing.
I have a first edition of The Book of Evidence — 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.