The points of issue
London: Faber & Faber, 1956. Cloth binding; first-issue dust jacket with art by Anthony Gross, priced to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page states 'First published in mcmlvi' (Faber used Roman-numeral years before 1968). The US edition was retitled 'The Two Deaths of Christopher Martin' (Harcourt, Brace, 1957) — a separate, later issue.
Is this the true first?
The UK Faber edition (1956) is the true first; the differently titled US edition (1957) is later and is not a substitute for collectors.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The US retitled edition postdates the UK first; later Faber impressions add a printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Pincher Martin a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Faber & Faber, 1956. Cloth binding; first-issue dust jacket with art by Anthony Gross, priced to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page states 'First published in mcmlvi' (Faber used Roman-numeral years before 1968). The US edition was retitled 'The Two Deaths of Christopher Martin' (Harcourt, Brace, 1957) — a separate, later 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. The UK Faber edition (1956) is the true first; the differently titled US edition (1957) is later and is not a substitute for collectors.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The US retitled edition postdates the UK first; later Faber impressions add a printing statement.
I have a first edition of Pincher Martin — 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.