The points of issue
First edition published by Methuen, London, 1971; family memoir and autobiography of a family. A US Simon & Schuster edition also appeared, dated 1971.
Is this the true first?
The UK Methuen edition is dated 1971. Contrary to the original record, the US Simon & Schuster edition is also dated 1971 (not 1972), so the two appeared in the same year; the Methuen edition is the UK first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue noted.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Kathleen and Frank a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition published by Methuen, London, 1971; family memoir and autobiography of a family. A US Simon & Schuster edition also appeared, dated 1971.
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 UK Methuen edition is dated 1971. Contrary to the original record, the US Simon & Schuster edition is also dated 1971 (not 1972), so the two appeared in the same year; the Methuen edition is the UK first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue noted.
I have a first edition of Kathleen and Frank — 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.