The points of issue
First published in 1952 by Michael Joseph, London; green cloth with dust jacket designed by Peter Rudland. First of the 'Children of Violence' sequence (Lessing's second novel overall).
Is this the true first?
The UK Michael Joseph edition (1952) is the true first. The first US edition appeared substantially later in the 1960s; the UK edition strongly precedes.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Martha Quest a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First published in 1952 by Michael Joseph, London; green cloth with dust jacket designed by Peter Rudland. First of the 'Children of Violence' sequence (Lessing's second novel overall).
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 Michael Joseph edition (1952) is the true first. The first US edition appeared substantially later in the 1960s; the UK edition strongly precedes.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club edition.
I have a first edition of Martha Quest — 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.