The points of issue
Quarter blue cloth over blue paper boards, black lettering on front board and spine, blue topstain and endpapers; the copyright page reads 'First published in 1970' with no later-printing statement, and the first-issue jacket carries the printed retail price on the front flap. National Book Award winner.
Is this the true first?
The US Viking Press edition is the true first; the UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson edition followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Book-of-the-Month Club edition lacks the printed jacket price and typically carries a blind-stamp on the rear board; compare jacket and boards to the trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Mr. Sammler's Planet a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Quarter blue cloth over blue paper boards, black lettering on front board and spine, blue topstain and endpapers; the copyright page reads 'First published in 1970' with no later-printing statement, and the first-issue jacket carries the printed retail price on the front flap. National Book Award winner.
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 US Viking Press edition is the true first; the UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson edition followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Book-of-the-Month Club edition lacks the printed jacket price and typically carries a blind-stamp on the rear board; compare jacket and boards to the trade first.
I have a first edition of Mr. Sammler's Planet — 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.