The points of issue
The novel appeared first in the US as Biffen's Millions, published by Simon & Schuster on 14 July 1964, ahead of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition issued 14 August 1964 under the different title Frozen Assets. The two true firsts therefore differ in title; the US Biffen's Millions takes overall precedence by about one month.
Is this the true first?
US and UK firsts carry different titles. The US Biffen's Millions precedes the UK Frozen Assets.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Differing US and UK titles (Biffen's Millions vs Frozen Assets) are the key identification point.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Biffen's Millions a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The novel appeared first in the US as Biffen's Millions, published by Simon & Schuster on 14 July 1964, ahead of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition issued 14 August 1964 under the different title Frozen Assets. The two true firsts therefore differ in title; the US Biffen's Millions takes overall precedence by about one month.
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. US and UK firsts carry different titles. The US Biffen's Millions precedes the UK Frozen Assets.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Differing US and UK titles (Biffen's Millions vs Frozen Assets) are the key identification point.
I have a first edition of Biffen's Millions — 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.