The points of issue
UK Bloomsbury first edition, 2008, London. First printing marked as a first on the copyright page with a number line ending in 1; Chris Riddell illustrations; distinct UK jacket. A separate collectible state from the US HarperCollins first.
Is this the true first?
Separate UK market issue. The US HarperCollins edition appeared first (September 30, 2008); the UK Bloomsbury edition followed in late October 2008. See the primary Graveyard Book record.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
UK and US are distinct issues with different illustrators (Riddell UK, McKean US). Later UK printings show number lines not ending in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Graveyard Book (UK issue note) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Bloomsbury first edition, 2008, London. First printing marked as a first on the copyright page with a number line ending in 1; Chris Riddell illustrations; distinct UK jacket. A separate collectible state from the US HarperCollins first.
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. Separate UK market issue. The US HarperCollins edition appeared first (September 30, 2008); the UK Bloomsbury edition followed in late October 2008. See the primary Graveyard Book record.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
UK and US are distinct issues with different illustrators (Riddell UK, McKean US). Later UK printings show number lines not ending in 1.
I have a first edition of The Graveyard Book (UK issue note) — 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.