The points of issue
First edition, first printing, in original cloth with dust jacket. Issued under the title Cefalu, a title scarce in commerce; the novel was later reissued by Faber and Faber as The Dark Labyrinth. The original title is the collecting point.
Is this the true first?
The UK Editions Poetry London printing as Cefalu is the true first. Durrell preferred the later title The Dark Labyrinth, under which the work was subsequently reissued by Faber.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Retitled in later editions; no book-club issue under the original title.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Cefalû a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing, in original cloth with dust jacket. Issued under the title Cefalu, a title scarce in commerce; the novel was later reissued by Faber and Faber as The Dark Labyrinth. The original title is the collecting point.
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. The UK Editions Poetry London printing as Cefalu is the true first. Durrell preferred the later title The Dark Labyrinth, under which the work was subsequently reissued by Faber.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Retitled in later editions; no book-club issue under the original title.
I have a first edition of Cefalû — 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.