The points of issue
The US Arbor House issue (1978) under the title 'Eye of the Needle' has no later-printing statement and carries the printed price on the first-issue jacket. The UK issue (Macdonald & Jane's, 1978) appeared as 'Storm Island'. Follett's breakthrough; winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel (1979).
Is this the true first?
Precedence and title point: the UK Macdonald & Jane's edition (1978) was published first, under the title 'Storm Island', and is the true first edition of the work. The US Arbor House 'Eye of the Needle' (1978) is the first appearance under the now-familiar title. Buyers should confirm which they want.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions exist under both titles: blind-stamp to the rear board and no price on the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Eye of the Needle a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The US Arbor House issue (1978) under the title 'Eye of the Needle' has no later-printing statement and carries the printed price on the first-issue jacket. The UK issue (Macdonald & Jane's, 1978) appeared as 'Storm Island'. Follett's breakthrough; winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel (1979).
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. Precedence and title point: the UK Macdonald & Jane's edition (1978) was published first, under the title 'Storm Island', and is the true first edition of the work. The US Arbor House 'Eye of the Needle' (1978) is the first appearance under the now-familiar title. Buyers should confirm which they wa
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions exist under both titles: blind-stamp to the rear board and no price on the jacket.
I have a first edition of Eye of the Needle — 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.