The points of issue
London: Macmillan, 1957 (published February 1957). Spark's first novel. Cloth binding; first-issue dust jacket bearing Evelyn Waugh's advance praise and priced to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page states 'First published 1957' with no later impression line.
Is this the true first?
The UK Macmillan edition (1957) is the true first, preceding the US Lippincott edition of the same year.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add a printing or impression statement to the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Comforters a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Macmillan, 1957 (published February 1957). Spark's first novel. Cloth binding; first-issue dust jacket bearing Evelyn Waugh's advance praise and priced to the flap, unclipped. Copyright page states 'First published 1957' with no later impression line.
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 Macmillan edition (1957) is the true first, preceding the US Lippincott edition of the same year.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add a printing or impression statement to the copyright page.
I have a first edition of The Comforters — 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.