The points of issue
First edition, first printing: Little, Brown, 2000, with the full number line '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' (the '1' present) on the copyright page. First-issue dust jacket priced (the printed price). Gladwell's debut.
Is this the true first?
US Little, Brown 2000 is the true first, preceding the UK Little, Brown (UK) edition. Signed Gladwell firsts are common but the first printing with '1' in the number line is the collectible state. Verify the 2000 date and full line.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions lack the full '1' number line, are on thinner paper and slightly smaller, and carry unpriced jackets; later trade printings drop the '1.'
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Tipping Point a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing: Little, Brown, 2000, with the full number line '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' (the '1' present) on the copyright page. First-issue dust jacket priced (the printed price). Gladwell's debut.
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. US Little, Brown 2000 is the true first, preceding the UK Little, Brown (UK) edition. Signed Gladwell firsts are common but the first printing with '1' in the number line is the collectible state. Verify the 2000 date and full line.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club editions lack the full '1' number line, are on thinner paper and slightly smaller, and carry unpriced jackets; later trade printings drop the '1.'
I have a first edition of The Tipping Point — 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.