The points of issue
First printing of the Shakespeare novel, London 1964. The UK Heinemann edition precedes the US W. W. Norton edition, which appeared later in 1964.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann is the true first; the US Norton edition followed in 1964.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Nothing Like the Sun a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the Shakespeare novel, London 1964. The UK Heinemann edition precedes the US W. W. Norton edition, which appeared later in 1964.
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. UK Heinemann is the true first; the US Norton edition followed in 1964.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Nothing Like the Sun — 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.