The points of issue
First book edition, published 14 November 1883 (first printing of 2,000 copies), following serialization in Young Folks (1881-82) as 'The Sea Cook.' Documented first-issue points include: 'dead man's chest' in lowercase on pages 2 and 7; the numeral '7' absent from the pagination on page 127; the '8' absent from pagination on page 83 (variable between copies); 'a' lacking in line 6 of page 63; no full stop after 'opportunity' in line 20 of page 178; and 'worse' for 'worst' in line 3 of page 197. Earliest copies carry the 5R-1083 dated advertisements.
Is this the true first?
The UK Cassell 1883 edition is the true first book edition. First-issue points are textual and subtle; the dated rear advertisements help confirm the earliest state. The 1884 US Roberts Brothers edition is secondary.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Title pages bearing edition statements, or copies with later-dated advertisements, are later issues.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Treasure Island a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First book edition, published 14 November 1883 (first printing of 2,000 copies), following serialization in Young Folks (1881-82) as 'The Sea Cook.' Documented first-issue points include: 'dead man's chest' in lowercase on pages 2 and 7; the numeral '7' absent from the pagination on page 127; the '8' absent from pagination on page 83 (variable between copies); 'a' lacking in line 6 of page 63; no full stop after 'opportunity' in line 20 of page 178; and 'worse' for 'worst' in line 3 of page 197. Earliest copies carry the 5R-1083 dated advertisements.
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 Cassell 1883 edition is the true first book edition. First-issue points are textual and subtle; the dated rear advertisements help confirm the earliest state. The 1884 US Roberts Brothers edition is secondary.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Title pages bearing edition statements, or copies with later-dated advertisements, are later issues.
I have a first edition of Treasure Island — 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.