The points of issue
The true first is the Australian edition (Vintage / Random House Australia), 2013, which preceded the 2014 UK Chatto & Windus and US Knopf editions. The Australian first appeared in 2013 ahead of the prize; the prize-publicised UK Chatto first of 2014 is also collected. Winner of the 2014 Booker Prize.
Is this the true first?
The 2013 Australian edition precedes the 2014 UK Chatto & Windus and US Knopf editions and is the true first. The Chatto UK 2014 first (number line to 1) is collected as the prize-publicised printing.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Chatto UK and Knopf US editions are distinguished by imprint and 2014 date; both follow the Australian first. No prominent book club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Narrow Road to the Deep North a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is the Australian edition (Vintage / Random House Australia), 2013, which preceded the 2014 UK Chatto & Windus and US Knopf editions. The Australian first appeared in 2013 ahead of the prize; the prize-publicised UK Chatto first of 2014 is also collected. Winner of the 2014 Booker Prize.
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 2013 Australian edition precedes the 2014 UK Chatto & Windus and US Knopf editions and is the true first. The Chatto UK 2014 first (number line to 1) is collected as the prize-publicised printing.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Chatto UK and Knopf US editions are distinguished by imprint and 2014 date; both follow the Australian first. No prominent book club edition.
I have a first edition of The Narrow Road to the Deep North — 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.