The points of issue
UK first edition (Secker & Warburg, 1970) is Banville's debut book, a collection of stories plus the novella 'The Possessed.' Stated Secker & Warburg imprint with 1970 date; priced dust jacket. Very scarce. The original 1970 text differs from the revised 1984 reissue, which Banville reworked and from which he dropped several pieces.
Is this the true first?
UK Secker & Warburg (1970) is the true first and the author's first book. The 1984 revised edition was issued by The Gallery Press (Dublin), not Secker, and is a 'first thus' of the revised text, not the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club edition. The 1984 Gallery Press revision is a separate, substantially revised printing and should not be mistaken for the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Long Lankin a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK first edition (Secker & Warburg, 1970) is Banville's debut book, a collection of stories plus the novella 'The Possessed.' Stated Secker & Warburg imprint with 1970 date; priced dust jacket. Very scarce. The original 1970 text differs from the revised 1984 reissue, which Banville reworked and from which he dropped several pieces.
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 Secker & Warburg (1970) is the true first and the author's first book. The 1984 revised edition was issued by The Gallery Press (Dublin), not Secker, and is a 'first thus' of the revised text, not the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club edition. The 1984 Gallery Press revision is a separate, substantially revised printing and should not be mistaken for the first.
I have a first edition of Long Lankin — 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.