The points of issue
First edition, Hutchinson, London, 1984, hardcover; the fourth and final Enderby novel. The UK Hutchinson edition precedes the US McGraw-Hill edition, also dated 1984. Both editions carry the 1984 date, so distinguish by publisher imprint on the title page and verso.
Is this the true first?
UK Hutchinson 1984 is the true first; the first American edition (McGraw-Hill, 1984) followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Enderby's Dark Lady, or No End to Enderby a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Hutchinson, London, 1984, hardcover; the fourth and final Enderby novel. The UK Hutchinson edition precedes the US McGraw-Hill edition, also dated 1984. Both editions carry the 1984 date, so distinguish by publisher imprint on the title page and verso.
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 Hutchinson 1984 is the true first; the first American edition (McGraw-Hill, 1984) followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition.
I have a first edition of Enderby's Dark Lady, or No End to Enderby — 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.