The points of issue
Hamish Hamilton London 2000, Smith's debut. First printing copyright page with full number line ending in '1'; dust jacket priced £12.99. Publisher's boards.
Is this the true first?
Hamish Hamilton London 2000 is the true first; Random House New York 2000 is the first US. UK first is the cornerstone.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Number line not ending in '1' indicates a later printing; US edition carries Random House imprint. Book club editions lack the priced jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of White Teeth a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Hamish Hamilton London 2000, Smith's debut. First printing copyright page with full number line ending in '1'; dust jacket priced £12.99. Publisher's boards.
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. Hamish Hamilton London 2000 is the true first; Random House New York 2000 is the first US. UK first is the cornerstone.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Number line not ending in '1' indicates a later printing; US edition carries Random House imprint. Book club editions lack the priced jacket.
I have a first edition of White Teeth — 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.