The points of issue
Both the UK Collins hardcover (10.95 pounds) and the US Poseidon Press hardcover (18.95 dollars) appeared in 1987. The Collins first carries the publisher's 1987 statement with no later-printing line and Barker's jacket art; the Poseidon first likewise has no added printing line. Signed, numbered, boxed limited editions exist from both Collins (500 copies) and Poseidon (500 copies), plus small lettered states.
Is this the true first?
Both 1987 editions are first editions in their territories. Precedence between them is not firmly established: some sources date the US Poseidon issue (early October 1987) slightly ahead of the UK Collins issue (mid-October 1987), so the record's flat claim that Collins is the true first overstates the evidence. Treat them as effectively simultaneous 1987 firsts, with the US possibly first to market.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition of note; later printings carry an amended printing statement on the copyright page. Verify the signed limiteds by their numbering and box.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Weaveworld a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Both the UK Collins hardcover (10.95 pounds) and the US Poseidon Press hardcover (18.95 dollars) appeared in 1987. The Collins first carries the publisher's 1987 statement with no later-printing line and Barker's jacket art; the Poseidon first likewise has no added printing line. Signed, numbered, boxed limited editions exist from both Collins (500 copies) and Poseidon (500 copies), plus small lettered states.
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. Both 1987 editions are first editions in their territories. Precedence between them is not firmly established: some sources date the US Poseidon issue (early October 1987) slightly ahead of the UK Collins issue (mid-October 1987), so the record's flat claim that Collins is the true first overstates
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition of note; later printings carry an amended printing statement on the copyright page. Verify the signed limiteds by their numbering and box.
I have a first edition of Weaveworld — 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.