The points of issue
First UK edition published 1975 by Jonathan Cape, in blue boards lettered in gilt, with the Craig Dodd-designed dust jacket. Title appears hyphenated as 'High-Rise'.
Is this the true first?
The Cape 1975 UK edition is the true first. The first US edition followed from Holt, Rinehart and Winston in 1977, two years later, so the UK edition clearly precedes.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club edition for the first issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of High-Rise a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition published 1975 by Jonathan Cape, in blue boards lettered in gilt, with the Craig Dodd-designed dust jacket. Title appears hyphenated as 'High-Rise'.
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 Cape 1975 UK edition is the true first. The first US edition followed from Holt, Rinehart and Winston in 1977, two years later, so the UK edition clearly precedes.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club edition for the first issue.
I have a first edition of High-Rise — 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.