The points of issue
Casterman albums are the original-language true firsts. The first two English-language Methuen albums both appeared in 1958: The Crab with the Golden Claws and King Ottokar's Sceptre, translated by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner. Methuen firsts carry a First published in Great Britain statement and the original price. Casterman firsts are identified by the back-cover album list and the fourth-cover spine and dot codes; later reprints update those lists and codes.
Is this the true first?
Casterman original-language editions are the true firsts; precise Belgian first printings are identified by the back-cover album list and cover code system. The 1958 Methuen editions are the first English-language printings (first thus). Distinguish the Belgian true first from the UK first-English Methuen edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition in the usual sense. The main trap is later Casterman and Methuen reprints: Belgian firsts require checking the back-cover album list and fourth-cover code, and English firsts require the Methuen First published in Great Britain statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Adventures of Tintin (English-language firsts) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Casterman albums are the original-language true firsts. The first two English-language Methuen albums both appeared in 1958: The Crab with the Golden Claws and King Ottokar's Sceptre, translated by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner. Methuen firsts carry a First published in Great Britain statement and the original price. Casterman firsts are identified by the back-cover album list and the fourth-cover spine and dot codes; later reprints update those lists and codes.
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. Casterman original-language editions are the true firsts; precise Belgian first printings are identified by the back-cover album list and cover code system. The 1958 Methuen editions are the first English-language printings (first thus). Distinguish the Belgian true first from the UK first-English M
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition in the usual sense. The main trap is later Casterman and Methuen reprints: Belgian firsts require checking the back-cover album list and fourth-cover code, and English firsts require the Methuen First published in Great Britain statement.
I have a first edition of The Adventures of Tintin (English-language firsts) — 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.