The points of issue
First English edition, translated by Trevor Le Gassick, published by Khayats, Beirut, 1966, a scarce Lebanese-press issue of roughly 319 pages, not Heinemann. Heinemann Educational, London, issued a corrected (revised) edition in 1975. The Khayats 1966 is the genuine first English appearance.
Is this the true first?
True first English edition is Khayats, Beirut, 1966; the commonly seen Heinemann 1975 is a later revised first-thus. The Arabic original was published in 1947.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Heinemann 1975 (corrected edition), Anchor/Doubleday US, and AUC Press editions are later or revised. Do not cite Heinemann as the first English publisher.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Midaq Alley (Zuqaq al-Midaq) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First English edition, translated by Trevor Le Gassick, published by Khayats, Beirut, 1966, a scarce Lebanese-press issue of roughly 319 pages, not Heinemann. Heinemann Educational, London, issued a corrected (revised) edition in 1975. The Khayats 1966 is the genuine first English appearance.
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. True first English edition is Khayats, Beirut, 1966; the commonly seen Heinemann 1975 is a later revised first-thus. The Arabic original was published in 1947.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Heinemann 1975 (corrected edition), Anchor/Doubleday US, and AUC Press editions are later or revised. Do not cite Heinemann as the first English publisher.
I have a first edition of Midaq Alley (Zuqaq al-Midaq) — 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.