The points of issue
Hardback in boards with gilt-titled spine, in dust jacket; first printing identified by a complete number line ending in 1.
Is this the true first?
UK Sceptre (14 July 2020) precedes the US Random House edition, which followed later in 2020.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings carry an impression statement and the number line no longer ends in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Utopia Avenue a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Hardback in boards with gilt-titled spine, in dust jacket; first printing identified by a complete number line ending in 1.
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 Sceptre (14 July 2020) precedes the US Random House edition, which followed later in 2020.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings carry an impression statement and the number line no longer ends in 1.
I have a first edition of Utopia Avenue — 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.