The points of issue
The true first is the 1958 Collins (London and Glasgow) edition with Peggy Fortnum line drawings, bound in original red cloth. The first impression states the 1958 date with no later impression statement. The first-issue dust jacket carries the original UK printed price of 8s.6d. net on the front flap.
Is this the true first?
UK Collins 1958 is the true first; the US Houghton Mifflin edition (1960) is a separate, later issue. This is the first book in the Paddington series.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US Houghton Mifflin copies are not the true first. Later printings carry an added impression line, and price-clipped or club copies lack the original 8s.6d. net UK price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Bear Called Paddington a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is the 1958 Collins (London and Glasgow) edition with Peggy Fortnum line drawings, bound in original red cloth. The first impression states the 1958 date with no later impression statement. The first-issue dust jacket carries the original UK printed price of 8s.6d. net on the front flap.
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 Collins 1958 is the true first; the US Houghton Mifflin edition (1960) is a separate, later issue. This is the first book in the Paddington series.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US Houghton Mifflin copies are not the true first. Later printings carry an added impression line, and price-clipped or club copies lack the original 8s.6d. net UK price.
I have a first edition of A Bear Called Paddington — 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.