The points of issue
Bellevue Literary Press issued Tinkers in 2009. The true first is the scarce hardcover trade issue (a small printing). A simultaneous trade paperback original was also issued and is far more common; the first-printing paperback shows 'First Edition' with a full number line ending in 1 and carries the printed price on the rear cover. There is also a separate signed limited hardcover of 750 copies done for Powell's Indiespensable subscribers, which should not be confused with the trade hardcover. For any format, a number line ending in 1 indicates a first printing.
Is this the true first?
Correction: the record's claim that 'there was no hardcover trade first' is inaccurate. A scarce hardcover trade issue exists and is generally regarded as the true first; the paperback was the primary trade format and is the more commonly collected first printing. A signed Powell's limited hardcover (750 copies) is a distinct issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
There is no book-club edition of the true first. Later printings drop the 1 from the number line and may state additional printings.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tinkers a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Bellevue Literary Press issued Tinkers in 2009. The true first is the scarce hardcover trade issue (a small printing). A simultaneous trade paperback original was also issued and is far more common; the first-printing paperback shows 'First Edition' with a full number line ending in 1 and carries the printed price on the rear cover. There is also a separate signed limited hardcover of 750 copies done for Powell's Indiespensable subscribers, which should not be confused with the trade hardcover. For any format, a number line ending in 1 indicates a first pri
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. Correction: the record's claim that 'there was no hardcover trade first' is inaccurate. A scarce hardcover trade issue exists and is generally regarded as the true first; the paperback was the primary trade format and is the more commonly collected first printing. A signed Powell's limited hardcover
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
There is no book-club edition of the true first. Later printings drop the 1 from the number line and may state additional printings.
I have a first edition of Tinkers — 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.