The points of issue
John Long first, 1967, under the UK title 'A New Lease of Death'; publisher's boards with gilt spine titles; first-issue dust jacket illustrated by William Randell and priced 21s net. Copyright page carries a single first-published statement.
Is this the true first?
UK John Long (1967) is the true first under the UK title. The US Doubleday edition (1967) used the title 'The Sins of the Fathers.' Second Inspector Wexford novel; the UK title is the original.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US-titled copies are a separate issue; price-clipped jackets lose the 21s price. Later John Long impressions add a printing line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A New Lease of Death (US: Sins of the Fathers) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: John Long first, 1967, under the UK title 'A New Lease of Death'; publisher's boards with gilt spine titles; first-issue dust jacket illustrated by William Randell and priced 21s net. Copyright page carries a single first-published statement.
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 John Long (1967) is the true first under the UK title. The US Doubleday edition (1967) used the title 'The Sins of the Fathers.' Second Inspector Wexford novel; the UK title is the original.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US-titled copies are a separate issue; price-clipped jackets lose the 21s price. Later John Long impressions add a printing line.
I have a first edition of A New Lease of Death (US: Sins of the Fathers) — 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.