The points of issue
First edition, Heinemann, London, 1966. Red cloth with gilt lettering to the spine; dust jacket unclipped with the original price (18s) to the front flap. The Heinemann London printing is the established first English edition.
Is this the true first?
Heinemann London 1966 is the true first English edition. The first US edition (John Day, New York, 1966, mango-colored cloth, the printed price jacket) appeared the same year and is collected as the first American edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
African Writers Series paperback and later printings are reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Man of the People a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Heinemann, London, 1966. Red cloth with gilt lettering to the spine; dust jacket unclipped with the original price (18s) to the front flap. The Heinemann London printing is the established first English 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. Heinemann London 1966 is the true first English edition. The first US edition (John Day, New York, 1966, mango-colored cloth, the printed price jacket) appeared the same year and is collected as the first American edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
African Writers Series paperback and later printings are reprints.
I have a first edition of A Man of the People — 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.