The points of issue
True first is the 1975 Jonathan Cape edition illustrated by Jill Bennett (not the later Quentin Blake reissue), with the copyright page stating 'First published in Great Britain 1975' and no later-printing line; publisher's terracotta (orange) cloth boards with gilt spine lettering, in the first-issue Bennett wraparound pictorial dust jacket with the original printed UK price to the front flap.
Is this the true first?
UK Jonathan Cape 1975 with Jill Bennett art is the true first; the US Alfred A. Knopf edition (also 1975, same Bennett illustrations) is a separate issue, and the later Quentin Blake-illustrated printings are reissues only.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Quentin Blake-illustrated copies are later reissues; book-club copies of the original typically carry a blind-stamp and lack the printed jacket price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Danny, the Champion of the World a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the 1975 Jonathan Cape edition illustrated by Jill Bennett (not the later Quentin Blake reissue), with the copyright page stating 'First published in Great Britain 1975' and no later-printing line; publisher's terracotta (orange) cloth boards with gilt spine lettering, in the first-issue Bennett wraparound pictorial dust jacket with the original printed UK price to the front flap.
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 Jonathan Cape 1975 with Jill Bennett art is the true first; the US Alfred A. Knopf edition (also 1975, same Bennett illustrations) is a separate issue, and the later Quentin Blake-illustrated printings are reissues only.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Quentin Blake-illustrated copies are later reissues; book-club copies of the original typically carry a blind-stamp and lack the printed jacket price.
I have a first edition of Danny, the Champion of the World — 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.