The points of issue
First UK edition, Picador (London) 2005. Copyright page reads 'First published 2005 by Picador' with the full staggered number line 1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2 (the presence of the 1 marks the first printing). Original boards in dust jacket priced 16.99 pounds (ISBN 0330483285 / 9780330483285). 2005 Booker Prize winner.
Is this the true first?
UK Picador 2005 is the true first; the US edition (Alfred A. Knopf, New York) 2005 followed and is a first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No prominent book-club edition. The US Knopf printing is later and US-priced.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Sea a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition, Picador (London) 2005. Copyright page reads 'First published 2005 by Picador' with the full staggered number line 1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2 (the presence of the 1 marks the first printing). Original boards in dust jacket priced 16.99 pounds (ISBN 0330483285 / 9780330483285). 2005 Booker Prize winner.
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 Picador 2005 is the true first; the US edition (Alfred A. Knopf, New York) 2005 followed and is a first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No prominent book-club edition. The US Knopf printing is later and US-priced.
I have a first edition of The Sea — 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.