Even though Americans and Brits speak a variation of the same language, it is common for the United States and the United Kingdom to publish separate editions of the same title. When a book travels across the Atlantic, the editors typically do more than simply remove or add a "U" to words like "candor" and "flavor." Nearly always, there is a different concept for the dust jacket. One reason is because the jacket is a means of advertising, and American and British audiences have divergent interests and sensibilities.
In the case of autobiography, it is also a question of public image. Consider the case of My Turn, The Memoirs of Nancy Reagan. In the American edition, the former first lady appears sans jewelry, wearing an all-American red-checkered blouse, as if she were en route to a church picnic or Walmart. In the English edition, she was able to dress more elegantly, as if she were preparing to meet Lily Safra for luncheon at the Savoy.
One imagines the English version was more to her liking. It is easy, however, to see the logic behind the dressed-down look for the American edition. She spent the previous eight years battling accusations that she was overly obsessed with clothes (see: Nancy Reagan, A First Lady's Style).
Verdict.
The English. We like posh Nancy!
In the case of autobiography, it is also a question of public image. Consider the case of My Turn, The Memoirs of Nancy Reagan. In the American edition, the former first lady appears sans jewelry, wearing an all-American red-checkered blouse, as if she were en route to a church picnic or Walmart. In the English edition, she was able to dress more elegantly, as if she were preparing to meet Lily Safra for luncheon at the Savoy.
One imagines the English version was more to her liking. It is easy, however, to see the logic behind the dressed-down look for the American edition. She spent the previous eight years battling accusations that she was overly obsessed with clothes (see: Nancy Reagan, A First Lady's Style).
Verdict.
The English. We like posh Nancy!
American First Edition My Turn, The Memoirs of Nancy Reagan, American Edition, Published by Random House | English First Edition My Turn, The Memoirs of Nancy Reagan, American Edition, Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson |
James Galanos, Nancy Reagan's Preferred Courturier; Photograph by Roddy McDowall
Photo credit: Double Exposure, Take Three.
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