The points of issue
The US Atheneum first is identified by Currey's first-issue binding — black cloth in which the pictorial stamping is NOT identical to the dust jacket (the second issue matches the jacket) — illustrated by Gail Garraty, with the first-state priced, unclipped jacket. Earthsea Book 3. Won the 1973 National Book Award (Children's Books).
Is this the true first?
The US Atheneum (1972) is the true first; the UK Gollancz (1973) is the UK first. Identify by the Currey first-issue binding state and the first-state priced jacket rather than any printed 'First Edition' statement.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Weekly Reader and juvenile book-club editions use pictorial laminated boards instead of a dust jacket and omit the price; they do not match the trade binding/jacket states of the Atheneum first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Farthest Shore a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The US Atheneum first is identified by Currey's first-issue binding — black cloth in which the pictorial stamping is NOT identical to the dust jacket (the second issue matches the jacket) — illustrated by Gail Garraty, with the first-state priced, unclipped jacket. Earthsea Book 3. Won the 1973 National Book Award (Children's Books).
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 US Atheneum (1972) is the true first; the UK Gollancz (1973) is the UK first. Identify by the Currey first-issue binding state and the first-state priced jacket rather than any printed 'First Edition' statement.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Weekly Reader and juvenile book-club editions use pictorial laminated boards instead of a dust jacket and omit the price; they do not match the trade binding/jacket states of the Atheneum first.
I have a first edition of The Farthest Shore — 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.