The points of issue
US first edition, Alfred A. Knopf, published 4 October 1989. 'First American Edition' stated on the copyright page. Grey boards with blue cloth spine and silver foil lettering, top edge tinted red; dust jacket carries the printed front-flap price. This US printing FOLLOWS the UK Faber first edition (spring 1989) and is included so US-first copies are not mistaken for the true first.
Is this the true first?
This Knopf edition is NOT the true first — the UK Faber 1989 edition precedes it. Listed here for disambiguation only.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Distinguished from the UK true first by the 'First American Edition' statement, the printed US jacket price, and the Knopf imprint. A Book-of-the-Month-Club US issue (lacking the printed jacket price, with the blind-stamped dot to the rear board) also exists and should not be confused with the trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Remains of the Day (US first, Knopf) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US first edition, Alfred A. Knopf, published 4 October 1989. 'First American Edition' stated on the copyright page. Grey boards with blue cloth spine and silver foil lettering, top edge tinted red; dust jacket carries the printed front-flap price. This US printing FOLLOWS the UK Faber first edition (spring 1989) and is included so US-first copies are not mistaken for the true 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. This Knopf edition is NOT the true first — the UK Faber 1989 edition precedes it. Listed here for disambiguation only.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Distinguished from the UK true first by the 'First American Edition' statement, the printed US jacket price, and the Knopf imprint. A Book-of-the-Month-Club US issue (lacking the printed jacket price, with the blind-stamped dot to the rear board) also exists and should not be confused with the trade first.
I have a first edition of The Remains of the Day (US first, Knopf) — 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.