The points of issue
First edition, Hutchinson, London, 1982, in publisher's cloth with dust jacket (subtitle: An Entertainment; ISBN 0-09-150540-2). The UK Hutchinson edition precedes the US McGraw-Hill edition of 1983.
Is this the true first?
UK Hutchinson 1982 is the true first; the US McGraw-Hill edition followed in 1983.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The End of the World News a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Hutchinson, London, 1982, in publisher's cloth with dust jacket (subtitle: An Entertainment; ISBN 0-09-150540-2). The UK Hutchinson edition precedes the US McGraw-Hill edition of 1983.
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 Hutchinson 1982 is the true first; the US McGraw-Hill edition followed in 1983.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition.
I have a first edition of The End of the World News — 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.