The points of issue
Jonathan Cape UK first, 1957. Black cloth; the first-issue dust jacket was designed by Richard Chopping (the trompe-l'oeil gun-and-rose painting) — the jacket is integral to value. Dust jacket priced 13s 6d. Copyright page with no later-impression statement.
Is this the true first?
UK Cape 1957 is the true first, preceding the US Macmillan edition (1957). The Chopping jacket first issue is the collected copy; signed copies are very valuable.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US Macmillan and later Cape impressions are separate/later. Confirm earliest issue by the first-state Chopping jacket (price 13s 6d) and absence of impression statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of From Russia, with Love a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Jonathan Cape UK first, 1957. Black cloth; the first-issue dust jacket was designed by Richard Chopping (the trompe-l'oeil gun-and-rose painting) — the jacket is integral to value. Dust jacket priced 13s 6d. Copyright page with no later-impression statement.
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 Cape 1957 is the true first, preceding the US Macmillan edition (1957). The Chopping jacket first issue is the collected copy; signed copies are very valuable.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US Macmillan and later Cape impressions are separate/later. Confirm earliest issue by the first-state Chopping jacket (price 13s 6d) and absence of impression statement.
I have a first edition of From Russia, with Love — 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.