The points of issue
Green boards titled in gilt; dust jacket illustrated by Joan Ogden, priced. States 'First published 1978' by Duckworth with no later impression line. Booker-shortlisted; scarce in fine jacket.
Is this the true first?
The UK Duckworth edition (1978) is the true first; the US Houghton Mifflin edition is far later (1997). The UK strongly precedes.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club edition; later Flamingo and Mariner paperbacks are reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Bookshop a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Green boards titled in gilt; dust jacket illustrated by Joan Ogden, priced. States 'First published 1978' by Duckworth with no later impression line. Booker-shortlisted; scarce in fine jacket.
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 UK Duckworth edition (1978) is the true first; the US Houghton Mifflin edition is far later (1997). The UK strongly precedes.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club edition; later Flamingo and Mariner paperbacks are reprints.
I have a first edition of The Bookshop — 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.