The points of issue
London: André Deutsch, 1961. States 'First published 1961' on the copyright page; bound in red cloth boards with gilt spine lettering, 531 pages. Dust jacket designed by Stephen Russ and priced 21s net (unclipped). The UK Deutsch precedes the US McGraw-Hill 1961 edition.
Is this the true first?
The true first is the UK André Deutsch 1961 edition, the scarcest and most sought-after Naipaul first/first, especially in jacket. The US McGraw-Hill is a later first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No club edition of note; the main pitfall is the US McGraw-Hill printing or a later UK impression offered as the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A House for Mr Biswas a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: André Deutsch, 1961. States 'First published 1961' on the copyright page; bound in red cloth boards with gilt spine lettering, 531 pages. Dust jacket designed by Stephen Russ and priced 21s net (unclipped). The UK Deutsch precedes the US McGraw-Hill 1961 edition.
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. The true first is the UK André Deutsch 1961 edition, the scarcest and most sought-after Naipaul first/first, especially in jacket. The US McGraw-Hill is a later first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No club edition of note; the main pitfall is the US McGraw-Hill printing or a later UK impression offered as the true first.
I have a first edition of A House for Mr Biswas — 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.