The points of issue
Richard Marek Publishers first printing, 1980: copyright page with the number line descending to 1 (first printing). Dust jacket priced the printed price. First Jason Bourne novel.
Is this the true first?
US Richard Marek 1980 is the true first, preceding the UK Granada/Hamlyn editions. The US first with full number line is the collectible.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book Club Edition has rear-board blind stamp, no jacket price, and reduced size; lacks the full number line. Confirm trade first by priced jacket and line ending in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Bourne Identity a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Richard Marek Publishers first printing, 1980: copyright page with the number line descending to 1 (first printing). Dust jacket priced the printed price. First Jason Bourne 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. US Richard Marek 1980 is the true first, preceding the UK Granada/Hamlyn editions. The US first with full number line is the collectible.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book Club Edition has rear-board blind stamp, no jacket price, and reduced size; lacks the full number line. Confirm trade first by priced jacket and line ending in 1.
I have a first edition of The Bourne Identity — 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.