The points of issue
John Long (Hutchinson group) first, 1964; publisher's green cloth boards lettered in gilt; first-issue dust jacket designed by William Randell and priced 15s net on the front flap (unclipped). Copyright page carries a single first-published statement with no later impression line.
Is this the true first?
UK John Long (1964) is the true first; the US Doubleday edition (1965) followed. Rendell's debut novel and the first Inspector Wexford book. Many copies went into UK lending libraries, so unmarked copies in jacket are genuinely scarce.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later John Long impressions add a printing statement; price-clipped jackets lose the original 15s flap price. The US Doubleday first is later.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of From Doon with Death a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: John Long (Hutchinson group) first, 1964; publisher's green cloth boards lettered in gilt; first-issue dust jacket designed by William Randell and priced 15s net on the front flap (unclipped). Copyright page carries a single first-published statement with no later impression line.
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 John Long (1964) is the true first; the US Doubleday edition (1965) followed. Rendell's debut novel and the first Inspector Wexford book. Many copies went into UK lending libraries, so unmarked copies in jacket are genuinely scarce.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later John Long impressions add a printing statement; price-clipped jackets lose the original 15s flap price. The US Doubleday first is later.
I have a first edition of From Doon with Death — 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.