The points of issue
Hardcover in boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket; first Chatto & Windus printing with the publisher's number line ending in 1.
Is this the true first?
UK Chatto & Windus (2013) precedes the US Nan A. Talese / Doubleday edition (2014).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add a statement of impression on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Three Brothers a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Hardcover in boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket; first Chatto & Windus printing with the publisher's number line ending in 1.
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 Chatto & Windus (2013) precedes the US Nan A. Talese / Doubleday edition (2014).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add a statement of impression on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Three Brothers — 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.