The points of issue
Pratchett's first book, published 16 November 1971 in a print run of about 3,000 copies; hardback with dust jacket protected by a Duraseal cover rather than lamination; illustrated throughout by Pratchett himself, including pages of his own color illustrations. Key issue point: the printer ran the page 34 illustration upside down, so that leaf was removed and a corrected replacement leaf (pages 33-34) was tipped in to every copy.
Is this the true first?
UK Colin Smythe true first. The original 1971 text differs substantially from the 1992 rewrite. Extremely scarce; one of the key Pratchett rarities.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The 1992 Doubleday rewrite is a different text, not the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Carpet People a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Pratchett's first book, published 16 November 1971 in a print run of about 3,000 copies; hardback with dust jacket protected by a Duraseal cover rather than lamination; illustrated throughout by Pratchett himself, including pages of his own color illustrations. Key issue point: the printer ran the page 34 illustration upside down, so that leaf was removed and a corrected replacement leaf (pages 33-34) was tipped in to every copy.
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 Colin Smythe true first. The original 1971 text differs substantially from the 1992 rewrite. Extremely scarce; one of the key Pratchett rarities.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The 1992 Doubleday rewrite is a different text, not the first.
I have a first edition of The Carpet People — 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.