The points of issue
First edition, Heinemann, London, 1977, bylined 'Ngugi wa Thiong'o' (after the author adopted the Gikuyu form of his name). Issued in cloth with dust jacket and also in the African Writers Series. This was the last of Ngugi's novels written originally in English; he turned to writing in Gikuyu thereafter. The London edition precedes the US issue.
Is this the true first?
Heinemann London 1977 is the true first edition. The US edition (E. P. Dutton, 1978) follows. The byline correctly reads 'Ngugi wa Thiong'o'.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Dutton US edition of 1978, the African Writers Series paperback, and all later printings are reprints relative to the 1977 London first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Petals of Blood a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Heinemann, London, 1977, bylined 'Ngugi wa Thiong'o' (after the author adopted the Gikuyu form of his name). Issued in cloth with dust jacket and also in the African Writers Series. This was the last of Ngugi's novels written originally in English; he turned to writing in Gikuyu thereafter. The London edition precedes the US issue.
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. Heinemann London 1977 is the true first edition. The US edition (E. P. Dutton, 1978) follows. The byline correctly reads 'Ngugi wa Thiong'o'.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Dutton US edition of 1978, the African Writers Series paperback, and all later printings are reprints relative to the 1977 London first.
I have a first edition of Petals of Blood — 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.