The points of issue
First edition, first impression, Heinemann, London, 1964. Publisher's dark blue cloth boards with gilt lettering to the spine and a blind-stamped publisher's device to the rear cover; issued in an unclipped pictorial dust jacket. This 1964 text is the original, unrevised state; Achebe revised the novel for a 1974 edition, making the 1974 text a distinct 'first thus.'
Is this the true first?
Heinemann London 1964 is the true first edition, carrying the original unrevised text. The US edition (John Day) followed in 1967. The revised edition of 1974 is the first appearance of the revised text. Arrow of God completes the African Trilogy after Things Fall Apart and No Longer at Ease.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The African Writers Series paperback and the 1974 revised edition are later or first-thus issues. Distinguish the 1964 original text from the 1974 revision.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Arrow of God a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first impression, Heinemann, London, 1964. Publisher's dark blue cloth boards with gilt lettering to the spine and a blind-stamped publisher's device to the rear cover; issued in an unclipped pictorial dust jacket. This 1964 text is the original, unrevised state; Achebe revised the novel for a 1974 edition, making the 1974 text a distinct 'first thus.'
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 1964 is the true first edition, carrying the original unrevised text. The US edition (John Day) followed in 1967. The revised edition of 1974 is the first appearance of the revised text. Arrow of God completes the African Trilogy after Things Fall Apart and No Longer at Ease.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The African Writers Series paperback and the 1974 revised edition are later or first-thus issues. Distinguish the 1964 original text from the 1974 revision.
I have a first edition of Arrow of God — 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.