The points of issue
First edition, Faber & Faber, London, 1945. Durrell's Corfu travel book (subtitled a guide to the landscape and manners of the island of Corcyra). First printing in cloth with dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
UK Faber 1945 is the true first; first US edition E. P. Dutton 1960.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Prospero's Cell a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Faber & Faber, London, 1945. Durrell's Corfu travel book (subtitled a guide to the landscape and manners of the island of Corcyra). First printing in cloth with dust jacket.
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 Faber 1945 is the true first; first US edition E. P. Dutton 1960.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Prospero's Cell — 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.