The points of issue
First English edition, Faber and Faber (UK), published 5 March 2020, translating the Dutch 'De avond is ongemak'. Paperback original with full number line beginning 1 to the copyright page. A useful first-printing point: the true first printing has NO mention of the International Booker Prize on the front cover; later printings (same ISBN) add the prize reference. Winner of the 2020 International Booker Prize, shared by author and translator.
Is this the true first?
The Dutch original (Atlas Contact, Amsterdam, January 2018) is the true first of the work. The Faber UK edition (5 March 2020) is the true first in English and precedes the Graywolf US edition (18 August 2020).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Graywolf US edition (August 2020) is distinguished by imprint and date; the UK first is told by the number line to 1 and the absence of any International Booker reference on the cover. No book-club edition noted.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Discomfort of Evening a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First English edition, Faber and Faber (UK), published 5 March 2020, translating the Dutch 'De avond is ongemak'. Paperback original with full number line beginning 1 to the copyright page. A useful first-printing point: the true first printing has NO mention of the International Booker Prize on the front cover; later printings (same ISBN) add the prize reference. Winner of the 2020 International Booker Prize, shared by author and translator.
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 Dutch original (Atlas Contact, Amsterdam, January 2018) is the true first of the work. The Faber UK edition (5 March 2020) is the true first in English and precedes the Graywolf US edition (18 August 2020).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Graywolf US edition (August 2020) is distinguished by imprint and date; the UK first is told by the number line to 1 and the absence of any International Booker reference on the cover. No book-club edition noted.
I have a first edition of The Discomfort of Evening — 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.