The points of issue
London: Jonathan Cape, 1978. McEwan's first full-length novel (his third book, after two story collections). Publisher's green cloth, gilt spine titles, grey endpapers; first-issue dust jacket designed by Ron Bowen, priced £3.50 net to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page reads 'First published 1978'.
Is this the true first?
The UK Jonathan Cape edition (1978) precedes the US Simon & Schuster edition (1978).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add a printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Cement Garden a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Jonathan Cape, 1978. McEwan's first full-length novel (his third book, after two story collections). Publisher's green cloth, gilt spine titles, grey endpapers; first-issue dust jacket designed by Ron Bowen, priced £3.50 net to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page reads 'First published 1978'.
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. The UK Jonathan Cape edition (1978) precedes the US Simon & Schuster edition (1978).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add a printing statement.
I have a first edition of The Cement Garden — 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.