The points of issue
St Lucia, Queensland: University of Queensland Press, 2000, first edition, first impression. 'First published 2000 by University of Queensland Press' on the verso (ISBN 0702231673). The UK Faber (2001) and US Knopf (2000) editions followed. 2001 Booker winner (Carey's second).
Is this the true first?
The Australian UQP edition precedes the UK Faber and US Knopf editions and is the true first. The Faber UK is widely collected but later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Faber UK and Knopf US are distinguished by imprint; both are later than UQP. No prominent BCE.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of True History of the Kelly Gang a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: St Lucia, Queensland: University of Queensland Press, 2000, first edition, first impression. 'First published 2000 by University of Queensland Press' on the verso (ISBN 0702231673). The UK Faber (2001) and US Knopf (2000) editions followed. 2001 Booker winner (Carey's second).
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 Australian UQP edition precedes the UK Faber and US Knopf editions and is the true first. The Faber UK is widely collected but later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Faber UK and Knopf US are distinguished by imprint; both are later than UQP. No prominent BCE.
I have a first edition of True History of the Kelly Gang — 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.