The points of issue
UK Hamish Hamilton first with the number line running down to 1. Issued before the film adaptation; first-state jacket without movie tie-in.
Is this the true first?
UK Hamish Hamilton (1 March 2007) is the true first, preceding the US Harcourt edition (3 April 2007). Booker Prize shortlist; the UK first is the senior issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition; later printings and the movie tie-in are distinguished by jacket and number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Reluctant Fundamentalist a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Hamish Hamilton first with the number line running down to 1. Issued before the film adaptation; first-state jacket without movie tie-in.
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. UK Hamish Hamilton (1 March 2007) is the true first, preceding the US Harcourt edition (3 April 2007). Booker Prize shortlist; the UK first is the senior issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition; later printings and the movie tie-in are distinguished by jacket and number line.
I have a first edition of The Reluctant Fundamentalist — 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.