The points of issue
Stated 'First published 1978'; Jonathan Cape, black boards with gilt spine titles and yellow topstain, priced dust jacket; 224 pages. Amis's third novel.
Is this the true first?
UK Cape (1978) is the true first; the US first edition did not appear until 1987 from Harmony Books, New York, so the UK precedes by nine years.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No significant book-club edition concern; confirm jacket price is unclipped to support the first-impression claim.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Success a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Stated 'First published 1978'; Jonathan Cape, black boards with gilt spine titles and yellow topstain, priced dust jacket; 224 pages. Amis's third 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 Cape (1978) is the true first; the US first edition did not appear until 1987 from Harmony Books, New York, so the UK precedes by nine years.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No significant book-club edition concern; confirm jacket price is unclipped to support the first-impression claim.
I have a first edition of Success — 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.