The points of issue
London and Boston: Faber & Faber, 1995. Boards with gilt spine titles; first-issue dust jacket priced £15.99 net to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page reads 'First published in 1995' with a complete descending number line; the lowest digit '1' present indicates a first impression.
Is this the true first?
The UK Faber edition (1995) precedes the US Knopf edition (1995).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
On later impressions the lowest number is absent from the number line; the US Knopf edition is a separate setting.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Unconsoled a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London and Boston: Faber & Faber, 1995. Boards with gilt spine titles; first-issue dust jacket priced £15.99 net to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page reads 'First published in 1995' with a complete descending number line; the lowest digit '1' present indicates a first impression.
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. The UK Faber edition (1995) precedes the US Knopf edition (1995).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
On later impressions the lowest number is absent from the number line; the US Knopf edition is a separate setting.
I have a first edition of The Unconsoled — 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.