The points of issue
London: Macmillan & Co., 1959. Publisher's pale blue boards with gilt spine lettering; first-issue dust jacket priced to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page states 'First published 1959'.
Is this the true first?
The UK Macmillan edition (1959) is the true first, preceding the US Lippincott edition of the same year.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add an impression statement to the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Memento Mori a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Macmillan & Co., 1959. Publisher's pale blue boards with gilt spine lettering; first-issue dust jacket priced to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page states 'First published 1959'.
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 Macmillan edition (1959) is the true first, preceding the US Lippincott edition of the same year.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add an impression statement to the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Memento Mori — 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.