The points of issue
First English edition, 1972, translated by Nicholas de Lange. Both the UK Chatto & Windus and the US Knopf (Borzoi colophon, FIRST AMERICAN EDITION statement) appeared in 1972, in cloth with dust jacket. The Hebrew original appeared in 1968. This was the first of de Lange's many translations of Oz.
Is this the true first?
The 1972 issue is the first English edition. UK Chatto & Windus and US Knopf are near-simultaneous and precedence is not firmly documented, so verify by imprint and jacket on the copy in hand.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Bantam and Vintage paperbacks are reprints. For the US first, confirm the Borzoi FIRST AMERICAN EDITION statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of My Michael (Mikha'el Sheli) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First English edition, 1972, translated by Nicholas de Lange. Both the UK Chatto & Windus and the US Knopf (Borzoi colophon, FIRST AMERICAN EDITION statement) appeared in 1972, in cloth with dust jacket. The Hebrew original appeared in 1968. This was the first of de Lange's many translations of Oz.
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 1972 issue is the first English edition. UK Chatto & Windus and US Knopf are near-simultaneous and precedence is not firmly documented, so verify by imprint and jacket on the copy in hand.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Bantam and Vintage paperbacks are reprints. For the US first, confirm the Borzoi FIRST AMERICAN EDITION statement.
I have a first edition of My Michael (Mikha'el Sheli) — 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.