The points of issue
True first is the US Knopf 1964 edition (it preceded the UK by a year). First printing states 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page; first-issue dust jacket priced the printed price with Joseph Schindelman's jacket art. Original text features the Oompa-Loompas as African pygmies (later editions revised this).
Is this the true first?
US Knopf (1964) is the true first, preceding the UK George Allen & Unwin edition (1967). The Knopf 'FIRST EDITION' statement plus Schindelman art and original (unrevised) Oompa-Loompa text define the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the 'FIRST EDITION' line and the jacket price, are smaller and on cheaper paper, and many post-1973 printings carry the revised Oompa-Loompa text and/or Faith Jaques (UK) illustrations.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the US Knopf 1964 edition (it preceded the UK by a year). First printing states 'FIRST EDITION' on the copyright page; first-issue dust jacket priced the printed price with Joseph Schindelman's jacket art. Original text features the Oompa-Loompas as African pygmies (later editions revised this).
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 Knopf (1964) is the true first, preceding the UK George Allen & Unwin edition (1967). The Knopf 'FIRST EDITION' statement plus Schindelman art and original (unrevised) Oompa-Loompa text define the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack the 'FIRST EDITION' line and the jacket price, are smaller and on cheaper paper, and many post-1973 printings carry the revised Oompa-Loompa text and/or Faith Jaques (UK) illustrations.
I have a first edition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — 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.