The points of issue
The true first is the UK Fitzcarraldo Editions trade paperback original (the typical Fitzcarraldo blue wrappers), published May 2021, with a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. The US New York Review Books trade paperback original (ISBN 978-1-68137-607-3) followed in June 2021 and is a separate, later edition; its first printing also shows a number line ending in 1. Neither edition was issued as a hardcover trade first.
Is this the true first?
Correction: the record names the US NYRB June 2021 paperback as the true first, but the UK Fitzcarraldo paperback (published May 2021) preceded it by roughly six weeks and is the true first edition. The NYRB edition is the first US edition, not the world first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
There is no book-club or hardcover first of either edition. Later printings drop the 1 from the number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Netanyahus a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is the UK Fitzcarraldo Editions trade paperback original (the typical Fitzcarraldo blue wrappers), published May 2021, with a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. The US New York Review Books trade paperback original (ISBN 978-1-68137-607-3) followed in June 2021 and is a separate, later edition; its first printing also shows a number line ending in 1. Neither edition was issued as a hardcover trade first.
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. Correction: the record names the US NYRB June 2021 paperback as the true first, but the UK Fitzcarraldo paperback (published May 2021) preceded it by roughly six weeks and is the true first edition. The NYRB edition is the first US edition, not the world first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
There is no book-club or hardcover first of either edition. Later printings drop the 1 from the number line.
I have a first edition of The Netanyahus — 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.