The points of issue
Stated 'First published 1975' on the copyright page; Jonathan Cape boards and priced dust jacket. Amis's second novel. The text was retitled 'Dark Secrets' for the 1977 Triad/Panther paperback.
Is this the true first?
UK Cape (1975) is the true first; the US first edition followed from Alfred A. Knopf in 1976 (blue boards with yellow cloth spine, red top edge). The retitled 'Dark Secrets' paperback is not a first edition of the text.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Paperback retitlings (Dark Secrets) are reprints, not firsts.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Dead Babies a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Stated 'First published 1975' on the copyright page; Jonathan Cape boards and priced dust jacket. Amis's second novel. The text was retitled 'Dark Secrets' for the 1977 Triad/Panther paperback.
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 Cape (1975) is the true first; the US first edition followed from Alfred A. Knopf in 1976 (blue boards with yellow cloth spine, red top edge). The retitled 'Dark Secrets' paperback is not a first edition of the text.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Paperback retitlings (Dark Secrets) are reprints, not firsts.
I have a first edition of Dead Babies — 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.