The points of issue
First edition, Faber and Faber, London, 1957. Comic sketches of diplomatic life centered on the character Antrobus, with illustrations by V. H. Drummond in the UK edition. The UK Faber printing precedes the US E. P. Dutton edition.
Is this the true first?
UK Faber 1957 is the true first; the US E. P. Dutton edition followed in 1958. The American edition adds illustrations not present in the 1957 UK first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition of consequence.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Esprit de Corps a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Faber and Faber, London, 1957. Comic sketches of diplomatic life centered on the character Antrobus, with illustrations by V. H. Drummond in the UK edition. The UK Faber printing precedes the US E. P. Dutton edition.
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 Faber 1957 is the true first; the US E. P. Dutton edition followed in 1958. The American edition adds illustrations not present in the 1957 UK first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition of consequence.
I have a first edition of Esprit de Corps — 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.