The points of issue
True first is the London Heinemann 1957 hardcover, first impression, in red cloth with gilt spine lettering, with no statement of a later printing. Volume four of A Dance to the Music of Time; the novel won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann 1957 is the true first; the first American edition (Little, Brown, Boston) followed, dated 1958 on stated-first copies.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions and book-club issues followed; verify the copy carries no later-printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of At Lady Molly's a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the London Heinemann 1957 hardcover, first impression, in red cloth with gilt spine lettering, with no statement of a later printing. Volume four of A Dance to the Music of Time; the novel won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize.
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 Heinemann 1957 is the true first; the first American edition (Little, Brown, Boston) followed, dated 1958 on stated-first copies.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions and book-club issues followed; verify the copy carries no later-printing statement.
I have a first edition of At Lady Molly's — 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.