The points of issue
McClelland & Stewart (Toronto) 1985 is the true first, preceding the US Houghton Mifflin 1986 and UK Jonathan Cape 1986. Canadian first in publisher's cloth/jacket with first-printing statement.
Is this the true first?
McClelland & Stewart Toronto 1985 is the true first; Houghton Mifflin Boston 1986 is the first US; Jonathan Cape London 1986 is the first UK. The 1985 Canadian issue has clear precedence.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US and UK editions are dated 1986 with different imprints; later printings shown by number line. The Canadian first is markedly scarcer.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Handmaid's Tale a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: McClelland & Stewart (Toronto) 1985 is the true first, preceding the US Houghton Mifflin 1986 and UK Jonathan Cape 1986. Canadian first in publisher's cloth/jacket with first-printing statement.
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. McClelland & Stewart Toronto 1985 is the true first; Houghton Mifflin Boston 1986 is the first US; Jonathan Cape London 1986 is the first UK. The 1985 Canadian issue has clear precedence.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US and UK editions are dated 1986 with different imprints; later printings shown by number line. The Canadian first is markedly scarcer.
I have a first edition of The Handmaid's Tale — 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.