The points of issue
First edition, Rex Collings, London, 1973. Publisher's cloth with unclipped dust jacket. Soyinka's second (and last) novel.
Is this the true first?
Rex Collings London 1973 is the true first edition. The first US edition (Third Press, 1974) follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Nelson and later paperbacks are reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Season of Anomy a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Rex Collings, London, 1973. Publisher's cloth with unclipped dust jacket. Soyinka's second (and last) 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. Rex Collings London 1973 is the true first edition. The first US edition (Third Press, 1974) follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Nelson and later paperbacks are reprints.
I have a first edition of Season of Anomy — 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.