The points of issue
First UK edition, Atlantic Books 2008 (hardback published March 2008). Copyright page reads 'First published in hardback in Great Britain in 2008 by Atlantic Books, an imprint of Grove Atlantic Ltd,' with a full number line down to 1 on the first printing; original boards with dust jacket. 2008 Booker winner (debut).
Is this the true first?
The UK Atlantic Books edition is the true first; the US Free Press (Simon & Schuster) 2008 edition followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The US edition is US-priced; the first printing is told by the full number line ending in 1. No prominent book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The White Tiger a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition, Atlantic Books 2008 (hardback published March 2008). Copyright page reads 'First published in hardback in Great Britain in 2008 by Atlantic Books, an imprint of Grove Atlantic Ltd,' with a full number line down to 1 on the first printing; original boards with dust jacket. 2008 Booker winner (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. The UK Atlantic Books edition is the true first; the US Free Press (Simon & Schuster) 2008 edition followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The US edition is US-priced; the first printing is told by the full number line ending in 1. No prominent book-club edition.
I have a first edition of The White Tiger — 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.