The points of issue
Near-simultaneous worldwide release in September 2019: Canada (McClelland & Stewart), UK (Chatto & Windus), and US (Nan A. Talese / Doubleday). First printings carry a number line descending to 1 or a 'First Edition' statement as appropriate to the imprint. Co-winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, shared with Bernardine Evaristo. Signed and special launch editions were issued.
Is this the true first?
Release was effectively near-simultaneous. As Atwood is Canadian, the McClelland & Stewart edition is the original/home-market publisher and is favoured; the UK Chatto & Windus is the prize-publisher. There is no single clear precedence, so collect the McClelland & Stewart or UK Chatto first printing.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Editions are distinguished by imprint; all are 2019 firsts. The first printing is told by the number line descending to 1 (or imprint-appropriate first-edition statement). No prominent book club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Testaments a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Near-simultaneous worldwide release in September 2019: Canada (McClelland & Stewart), UK (Chatto & Windus), and US (Nan A. Talese / Doubleday). First printings carry a number line descending to 1 or a 'First Edition' statement as appropriate to the imprint. Co-winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, shared with Bernardine Evaristo. Signed and special launch editions were issued.
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. Release was effectively near-simultaneous. As Atwood is Canadian, the McClelland & Stewart edition is the original/home-market publisher and is favoured; the UK Chatto & Windus is the prize-publisher. There is no single clear precedence, so collect the McClelland & Stewart or UK Chatto first printin
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Editions are distinguished by imprint; all are 2019 firsts. The first printing is told by the number line descending to 1 (or imprint-appropriate first-edition statement). No prominent book club edition.
I have a first edition of The Testaments — 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.