The points of issue
Collection of eleven stories; cloth boards, gilt spine lettering; full number line descending to 1 with Cape 'First published' statement on the copyright page; dust jacket priced 15.99 net.
Is this the true first?
UK Cape (2004) precedes US Knopf (First American Edition, 2004).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Reprints state the later impression.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Lemon Table a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Collection of eleven stories; cloth boards, gilt spine lettering; full number line descending to 1 with Cape 'First published' statement on the copyright page; dust jacket priced 15.99 net.
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. UK Cape (2004) precedes US Knopf (First American Edition, 2004).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Reprints state the later impression.
I have a first edition of The Lemon Table — 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.