The points of issue
First UK edition, Faber & Faber 1968. 'First published in mcmlxviii' (1968) on the verso with no later impression statement; original boards in dust jacket. Front-flap price of 30 shillings (£1.50). Won the inaugural Booker Prize (awarded 1969 for 1968 publication).
Is this the true first?
UK Faber edition is the true first; the US edition (J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia) followed in 1969. One of the scarcer Booker winners as a first, as Newby was not widely collected at publication.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition of note; later impressions state additional printings on the verso. The Lippincott US edition is later and distinguished by its US imprint.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Something to Answer For a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition, Faber & Faber 1968. 'First published in mcmlxviii' (1968) on the verso with no later impression statement; original boards in dust jacket. Front-flap price of 30 shillings (£1.50). Won the inaugural Booker Prize (awarded 1969 for 1968 publication).
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 edition is the true first; the US edition (J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia) followed in 1969. One of the scarcer Booker winners as a first, as Newby was not widely collected at publication.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition of note; later impressions state additional printings on the verso. The Lippincott US edition is later and distinguished by its US imprint.
I have a first edition of Something to Answer For — 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.