The points of issue
Zadie Smith's first historical novel. The US Penguin Press hardcover carries the full number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page; boards in dust jacket. The UK Hamish Hamilton hardcover is a slightly later, separate issue.
Is this the true first?
Precedence corrected. The US Penguin Press edition (5 September 2023) preceded the UK Hamish Hamilton edition (7 September 2023), so the US printing is the true first, by a couple of days.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings are identified by a number line that no longer ends in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Fraud a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Zadie Smith's first historical novel. The US Penguin Press hardcover carries the full number line counting down to 1 on the copyright page; boards in dust jacket. The UK Hamish Hamilton hardcover is a slightly later, separate issue.
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. Precedence corrected. The US Penguin Press edition (5 September 2023) preceded the UK Hamish Hamilton edition (7 September 2023), so the US printing is the true first, by a couple of days.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings are identified by a number line that no longer ends in 1.
I have a first edition of The Fraud — 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.