The points of issue
First printing in orange cloth with gilt spine lettering, London 1963. The UK Heinemann edition precedes the US W. W. Norton edition of 1964.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann is the true first; the US Norton edition followed in 1964.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Honey for the Bears a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing in orange cloth with gilt spine lettering, London 1963. The UK Heinemann edition precedes the US W. W. Norton edition of 1964.
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 Heinemann is the true first; the US Norton edition followed in 1964.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Honey for the Bears — 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.