The points of issue
First printing; Burgess's novel on the life and death of Christopher Marlowe, the last of his novels published in his lifetime. UK Hutchinson 1993 precedes the US Carroll & Graf edition of 1995.
Is this the true first?
UK Hutchinson 1993 true first; US Carroll & Graf 1995.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Dead Man in Deptford a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing; Burgess's novel on the life and death of Christopher Marlowe, the last of his novels published in his lifetime. UK Hutchinson 1993 precedes the US Carroll & Graf edition of 1995.
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 Hutchinson 1993 true first; US Carroll & Graf 1995.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of A Dead Man in Deptford — 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.