The points of issue
First edition, London: William Heinemann, 1966, copyright page stating 'First published 1966'; Carter's debut novel, in publisher's cloth with dust jacket. Genuinely scarce.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann (1966) is the true first. The US issue appeared under the different title 'Honeybuzzard' (Simon & Schuster, 1967) and, as a retitled later edition, is not a first of the original text.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club edition; the US retitling is a separate, later edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Shadow Dance a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, London: William Heinemann, 1966, copyright page stating 'First published 1966'; Carter's debut novel, in publisher's cloth with dust jacket. Genuinely scarce.
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 Heinemann (1966) is the true first. The US issue appeared under the different title 'Honeybuzzard' (Simon & Schuster, 1967) and, as a retitled later edition, is not a first of the original text.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club edition; the US retitling is a separate, later edition.
I have a first edition of Shadow Dance — 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.