The points of issue
'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page (Borzoi). Quarter red cloth over light-blue paper-covered boards, gilt spine lettering; light-red top-stain. First-issue jacket bears the printed price with '1/64' at the base of the front flap; jacket design by Arthur Hawkins. Bruccoli A18.1.a.
Is this the true first?
US Knopf is the true first; the UK Collins Crime Club edition (1964) followed. The novel won the CWA Silver Dagger. One of Macdonald's strongest Lew Archer novels.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club edition has a blind-stamped dot on the rear cover, no '1/64' code on the flap, often no price, lacks the stated 'FIRST EDITION', and is on lighter bulked paper.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Chill a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'FIRST EDITION' stated on the copyright page (Borzoi). Quarter red cloth over light-blue paper-covered boards, gilt spine lettering; light-red top-stain. First-issue jacket bears the printed price with '1/64' at the base of the front flap; jacket design by Arthur Hawkins. Bruccoli A18.1.a.
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. US Knopf is the true first; the UK Collins Crime Club edition (1964) followed. The novel won the CWA Silver Dagger. One of Macdonald's strongest Lew Archer novels.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club edition has a blind-stamped dot on the rear cover, no '1/64' code on the flap, often no price, lacks the stated 'FIRST EDITION', and is on lighter bulked paper.
I have a first edition of The Chill — 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.