The points of issue
London: Jonathan Cape, 1975. McEwan's first book, a collection of short stories. Publisher's black cloth, gilt spine titles; dust jacket designed by Bill Botten, priced £2.50 net to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page reads 'First published 1975'. The collection won the Somerset Maugham Award for 1976.
Is this the true first?
The UK Jonathan Cape edition (1975) is the true first, preceding the US Random House edition (1975). The debut is the key McEwan first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add a printing statement; the US edition is a separate setting.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of First Love, Last Rites a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Jonathan Cape, 1975. McEwan's first book, a collection of short stories. Publisher's black cloth, gilt spine titles; dust jacket designed by Bill Botten, priced £2.50 net to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page reads 'First published 1975'. The collection won the Somerset Maugham Award for 1976.
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 Jonathan Cape edition (1975) is the true first, preceding the US Random House edition (1975). The debut is the key McEwan first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add a printing statement; the US edition is a separate setting.
I have a first edition of First Love, Last Rites — 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.