The points of issue
True first is the New Zealand Victoria University Press edition, published August 2013, preceding the UK and US trade editions. The UK Granta edition and US Little, Brown edition followed later in 2013. On the Granta first, the verso reads 'First published in Great Britain by Granta Books 2013' with a number line to 1; first printings of each issue are told by their respective imprint and number line.
Is this the true first?
The true first is the New Zealand Victoria University Press edition (August 2013), the author's home publisher. The UK Granta and US Little, Brown editions followed. 2013 Booker winner (then youngest winner; longest winning novel). The earlier record framed UK Granta as the first trade edition, which understates the precedence of the New Zealand VUP edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The US Little, Brown edition is US-priced; the UK Granta edition is distinguished by its imprint and number line. The New Zealand VUP edition is the precedent issue. No prominent book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Luminaries a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the New Zealand Victoria University Press edition, published August 2013, preceding the UK and US trade editions. The UK Granta edition and US Little, Brown edition followed later in 2013. On the Granta first, the verso reads 'First published in Great Britain by Granta Books 2013' with a number line to 1; first printings of each issue are told by their respective imprint and number line.
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 true first is the New Zealand Victoria University Press edition (August 2013), the author's home publisher. The UK Granta and US Little, Brown editions followed. 2013 Booker winner (then youngest winner; longest winning novel). The earlier record framed UK Granta as the first trade edition, whic
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The US Little, Brown edition is US-priced; the UK Granta edition is distinguished by its imprint and number line. The New Zealand VUP edition is the precedent issue. No prominent book-club edition.
I have a first edition of The Luminaries — 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.