The points of issue
True first is the London Heinemann 1960 hardcover, first impression, in deep red cloth with the spine blocked in black and lettered in gilt, jacket by Broom-Lynne, with no statement of a later printing. Volume five of A Dance to the Music of Time.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann 1960 is the true first; the first American edition (Little, Brown) also appeared in 1960.
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 Casanova's Chinese Restaurant a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the London Heinemann 1960 hardcover, first impression, in deep red cloth with the spine blocked in black and lettered in gilt, jacket by Broom-Lynne, with no statement of a later printing. Volume five of A Dance to the Music of Time.
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 1960 is the true first; the first American edition (Little, Brown) also appeared in 1960.
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 Casanova's Chinese Restaurant — 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.