The points of issue
UK Macmillan first edition, London, 1992, with the statement First published 1992 and a full number line descending to 1. The tenth Inspector Morse novel; it won the CWA Gold Dagger for 1992. A copy whose number line does not include 1 is a later printing.
Is this the true first?
UK Macmillan 1992 is the true first; the US Crown edition of 1992 to 1993 is a first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
BCA and other book-club editions, and any printing whose number line does not end in 1, are not the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Way Through the Woods a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Macmillan first edition, London, 1992, with the statement First published 1992 and a full number line descending to 1. The tenth Inspector Morse novel; it won the CWA Gold Dagger for 1992. A copy whose number line does not include 1 is a later printing.
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 Macmillan 1992 is the true first; the US Crown edition of 1992 to 1993 is a first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
BCA and other book-club editions, and any printing whose number line does not end in 1, are not the true first.
I have a first edition of The Way Through the Woods — 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.