The points of issue
The true first is the UK edition titled Storm Island (Macdonald & Jane's, London, 1978), 322 pp, with a first-printing copyright statement. The original first-issue dust jacket exists in two accepted states: priced for the UK market and unpriced on export copies; both are recognized as first-issue. The US Eye of the Needle (Arbor House, 1978) is the first American edition under the retitled, better-known name.
Is this the true first?
The UK Storm Island precedes and is the true first edition. The US Arbor House Eye of the Needle is a separate first American edition under the film-matching title. This was Follett's breakthrough novel and won the 1979 Edgar Award for Best Novel.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US book-club editions of Eye of the Needle carry a blind-stamp on the rear board, lack a printed jacket price, and have a smaller trim. The title alone is the quickest discriminator: Storm Island indicates the UK true first; an Eye of the Needle hardcover indicates the US edition. Confirm the publisher imprint and first-printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Eye of the Needle (UK title: Storm Island) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is the UK edition titled Storm Island (Macdonald & Jane's, London, 1978), 322 pp, with a first-printing copyright statement. The original first-issue dust jacket exists in two accepted states: priced for the UK market and unpriced on export copies; both are recognized as first-issue. The US Eye of the Needle (Arbor House, 1978) is the first American edition under the retitled, better-known name.
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. The UK Storm Island precedes and is the true first edition. The US Arbor House Eye of the Needle is a separate first American edition under the film-matching title. This was Follett's breakthrough novel and won the 1979 Edgar Award for Best Novel.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US book-club editions of Eye of the Needle carry a blind-stamp on the rear board, lack a printed jacket price, and have a smaller trim. The title alone is the quickest discriminator: Storm Island indicates the UK true first; an Eye of the Needle hardcover indicates the US edition. Confirm the publisher imprint and first-printing statement.
I have a first edition of Eye of the Needle (UK title: Storm Island) — 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.