The points of issue
True first is the Colin Smythe Ltd hardcover, 1986, with the first-published statement on the copyright page and no reprint line. Full wrap-around dust-jacket art by Josh Kirby (his first Discworld cover). Second Discworld novel. Priced in pounds.
Is this the true first?
The UK Colin Smythe 1986 hardcover is the world first. The US hardcover appeared only as a Doubleday Science Fiction Book Club edition (dated 1987 on the copyright page), and the Corgi paperback follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Doubleday SF Book Club edition (copyright page reads 'First Published in 1987 by Colin Smythe Limited') and Corgi paperbacks are not the true first. Confirm the Colin Smythe hardcover imprint and the 1986 first-printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Light Fantastic a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the Colin Smythe Ltd hardcover, 1986, with the first-published statement on the copyright page and no reprint line. Full wrap-around dust-jacket art by Josh Kirby (his first Discworld cover). Second Discworld novel. Priced in pounds.
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. The UK Colin Smythe 1986 hardcover is the world first. The US hardcover appeared only as a Doubleday Science Fiction Book Club edition (dated 1987 on the copyright page), and the Corgi paperback follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Doubleday SF Book Club edition (copyright page reads 'First Published in 1987 by Colin Smythe Limited') and Corgi paperbacks are not the true first. Confirm the Colin Smythe hardcover imprint and the 1986 first-printing statement.
I have a first edition of The Light Fantastic — 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.