The points of issue
First edition in English, translated by Raymond Rosenthal, published by Schocken Books, New York, dated 1984. First printing is stated on the copyright page with no additional later impression dates or number-line advance.
Is this the true first?
True first in English is the Schocken US edition of 1984, preceding the UK Michael Joseph edition of 1985. The Italian original was published by Einaudi in 1975.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Schocken and Everyman's Library printings carry number lines and additional copyright dates and are not the 1984 first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Periodic Table (Il sistema periodico) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition in English, translated by Raymond Rosenthal, published by Schocken Books, New York, dated 1984. First printing is stated on the copyright page with no additional later impression dates or number-line advance.
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. True first in English is the Schocken US edition of 1984, preceding the UK Michael Joseph edition of 1985. The Italian original was published by Einaudi in 1975.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Schocken and Everyman's Library printings carry number lines and additional copyright dates and are not the 1984 first.
I have a first edition of The Periodic Table (Il sistema periodico) — 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.