Identification points are listed only where two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 28 Oct 2026.
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We value a printing from verified sales of that exact printing, and none of the first impression has come to auction in our records so far. The chart and the value by condition appear here as soon as one does.
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The true first is the G. P. Putnam's Sons edition, New York, 5 August 2002. The UK first is the Michael Joseph (a Penguin imprint) hardback, London, 2002, ISBN 9780718145019, about 618 pages, in black boards lettered in gilt on the spine, with a pictorial jacket. A first impression has a number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. The same ISBN was used for copies distributed in Australia, which dealers call the first Australian edition, so check the jacket flap price and imprint for a London issue. Check the jacket is not price clipped.
We have not yet confirmed the issue points that tell this first impression from later ones. Until we do, compare your copy's title page and copyright page with the publisher, place and year above: any later printing or edition statement means it is not this one.
Know the points? Tell us. We publish them, with credit, once a second source agrees.
Michael Joseph, London, in 2002, in hardback.
Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 28 October 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.
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