The points of issue
The UK Hamish Hamilton edition (1958) precedes the US Houghton Mifflin edition (1958) by roughly three months and is the true first. First printing carries the printed price on the first-issue jacket and no later-printing statement. Chandler's last completed novel.
Is this the true first?
UK Hamish Hamilton (1958) is the true first, published ahead of the US Houghton Mifflin edition the same year.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US book-club edition is common, with a blind-stamp and no price on the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Playback a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The UK Hamish Hamilton edition (1958) precedes the US Houghton Mifflin edition (1958) by roughly three months and is the true first. First printing carries the printed price on the first-issue jacket and no later-printing statement. Chandler's last completed novel.
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 Hamish Hamilton (1958) is the true first, published ahead of the US Houghton Mifflin edition the same year.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US book-club edition is common, with a blind-stamp and no price on the jacket.
I have a first edition of Playback — 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.