The points of issue
TRUE FIRST overall is the Swedish original 'Män som hatar kvinnor' (Norstedts, Stockholm, 2005). The true first ENGLISH edition is the UK MacLehose Press / Quercus 2008, which PRECEDES the US Knopf edition (2008). UK first: Quercus/MacLehose imprint with first-printing indicia; jacket priced in £.
Is this the true first?
Precedence: the Swedish original (2005) is the world first; English-language collectors seek the UK MacLehose/Quercus 2008, which precedes the US Knopf 2008. Larsson died before publication, so authentic signed copies do not exist.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US Knopf is the American first (separate). Confirm UK first by the Quercus/MacLehose imprint and first-printing line; later printings are stated.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (English first) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: TRUE FIRST overall is the Swedish original 'Män som hatar kvinnor' (Norstedts, Stockholm, 2005). The true first ENGLISH edition is the UK MacLehose Press / Quercus 2008, which PRECEDES the US Knopf edition (2008). UK first: Quercus/MacLehose imprint with first-printing indicia; jacket priced in £.
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: the Swedish original (2005) is the world first; English-language collectors seek the UK MacLehose/Quercus 2008, which precedes the US Knopf 2008. Larsson died before publication, so authentic signed copies do not exist.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US Knopf is the American first (separate). Confirm UK first by the Quercus/MacLehose imprint and first-printing line; later printings are stated.
I have a first edition of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (English first) — 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.