The points of issue
Barker's debut novel, a Virago original published 1982 (on sale 13 May 1982). Issued by Virago Press as a paperback original; a hardcover/library binding is comparatively scarce. Seven linked stories of working-class women on Union Street.
Is this the true first?
UK Virago (1982) is the true first; the US G.P. Putnam's Sons edition followed in 1983 (issued in hardcover). UK precedes. Note the paperback-original status of the Virago first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later film tie-in editions associated with the 1990 film 'Stanley & Iris' are reprints, not firsts.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Union Street a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Barker's debut novel, a Virago original published 1982 (on sale 13 May 1982). Issued by Virago Press as a paperback original; a hardcover/library binding is comparatively scarce. Seven linked stories of working-class women on Union Street.
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 Virago (1982) is the true first; the US G.P. Putnam's Sons edition followed in 1983 (issued in hardcover). UK precedes. Note the paperback-original status of the Virago first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later film tie-in editions associated with the 1990 film 'Stanley & Iris' are reprints, not firsts.
I have a first edition of Union Street — 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.