The points of issue
First edition published by Jonathan Cape, London, 1995 (ISBN 0224040553), stating 'First published 1995'; hardcover in the priced, unclipped dust jacket. The first issue carries a printed promotional belly band over the jacket. Enright's debut novel.
Is this the true first?
UK Jonathan Cape (1995) is the true first; the first US edition followed substantially later. UK strongly precedes.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Vintage/Penguin paperbacks (e.g. ISBN 0749397152) are reprints, not the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Wig My Father Wore a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition published by Jonathan Cape, London, 1995 (ISBN 0224040553), stating 'First published 1995'; hardcover in the priced, unclipped dust jacket. The first issue carries a printed promotional belly band over the jacket. Enright's debut novel.
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 Jonathan Cape (1995) is the true first; the first US edition followed substantially later. UK strongly precedes.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Vintage/Penguin paperbacks (e.g. ISBN 0749397152) are reprints, not the first.
I have a first edition of The Wig My Father Wore — 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.