The points of issue
London: The Bodley Head, 1966 (Greene had moved from Heinemann to The Bodley Head). 'First published 1966' on the copyright page. Dark green cloth lettered in gilt to the spine, in the first-issue pictorial dust jacket designed by Ivan Lapper, priced 25s net to the front flap.
Is this the true first?
The UK Bodley Head edition of 1966 precedes the US Viking edition of 1966.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add printing lines; the correct first-issue jacket carries the 25s net price and the Ivan Lapper design.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Comedians a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: The Bodley Head, 1966 (Greene had moved from Heinemann to The Bodley Head). 'First published 1966' on the copyright page. Dark green cloth lettered in gilt to the spine, in the first-issue pictorial dust jacket designed by Ivan Lapper, priced 25s net to the front flap.
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 Bodley Head edition of 1966 precedes the US Viking edition of 1966.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add printing lines; the correct first-issue jacket carries the 25s net price and the Ivan Lapper design.
I have a first edition of The Comedians — 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.