The points of issue
First edition, first printing, of the opening volume of The Alexandria Quartet, in red cloth with gilt spine lettering and a pictorial dust jacket. The first-issue dust jacket is priced 15s and lacks the printer's hand device on the spine; later jackets are priced 16s. The UK Faber 1957 edition precedes the US Dutton edition of 1957.
Is this the true first?
UK Faber and Faber, London, 1957 is the true first and the first volume of The Alexandria Quartet; the US Dutton edition also appeared in 1957.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club printings appeared later and are not the first edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Justine a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing, of the opening volume of The Alexandria Quartet, in red cloth with gilt spine lettering and a pictorial dust jacket. The first-issue dust jacket is priced 15s and lacks the printer's hand device on the spine; later jackets are priced 16s. The UK Faber 1957 edition precedes the US Dutton edition of 1957.
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 Faber and Faber, London, 1957 is the true first and the first volume of The Alexandria Quartet; the US Dutton edition also appeared in 1957.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club printings appeared later and are not the first edition.
I have a first edition of Justine — 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.