The points of issue
Stated 'First published 1991'; Jonathan Cape boards and dust jacket; narrative told in reverse. Booker Prize shortlisted in 1991.
Is this the true first?
UK Cape (September 1991) is the true first, preceding the US Harmony Books edition by about a month (October 1991). The US edition carries revised, Americanized text and the spelling 'Offense' in its title, so the UK first is also textually distinct.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club edition concern.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Time's Arrow: Or The Nature of the Offence a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Stated 'First published 1991'; Jonathan Cape boards and dust jacket; narrative told in reverse. Booker Prize shortlisted in 1991.
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 Cape (September 1991) is the true first, preceding the US Harmony Books edition by about a month (October 1991). The US edition carries revised, Americanized text and the spelling 'Offense' in its title, so the UK first is also textually distinct.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club edition concern.
I have a first edition of Time's Arrow: Or The Nature of the Offence — 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.