The points of issue
London: Chatto & Windus, 1961 (Murdoch's fifth novel). Brown cloth/boards with gilt spine lettering; first-issue dust jacket designed by John Woodcock and priced 18s on the flap. First edition, first impression.
Is this the true first?
UK Chatto & Windus (1961) precedes the US Viking Press edition (also 1961). The Viking issue is distinct (quarter white cloth over red boards, the printed price jacket by Bill English).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add printing statements. Confirm a first by the 18s jacket price (unclipped) and absence of any later impression line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Severed Head a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Chatto & Windus, 1961 (Murdoch's fifth novel). Brown cloth/boards with gilt spine lettering; first-issue dust jacket designed by John Woodcock and priced 18s on the flap. First edition, first impression.
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 Chatto & Windus (1961) precedes the US Viking Press edition (also 1961). The Viking issue is distinct (quarter white cloth over red boards, the printed price jacket by Bill English).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add printing statements. Confirm a first by the 18s jacket price (unclipped) and absence of any later impression line.
I have a first edition of A Severed Head — 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.