The points of issue
First edition under this title: Ace Books paperback, London, 1958. The novel was originally published as Cefalu by Editions Poetry London in 1947; the retitled text first appeared in this 1958 Ace paperback. The first hardcover under the Dark Labyrinth title was the Faber and Faber edition of 1961.
Is this the true first?
The true first appearance of the work is Cefalu (Editions Poetry London, 1947). Under the new title, the Ace Books paperback of 1958 is first thus, the Faber hardcover of 1961 is the first hardcover thus, and the US E. P. Dutton hardcover followed in 1962.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Retitled reissue of an earlier novel rather than a new work; no book-club edition is the point of issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Dark Labyrinth a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition under this title: Ace Books paperback, London, 1958. The novel was originally published as Cefalu by Editions Poetry London in 1947; the retitled text first appeared in this 1958 Ace paperback. The first hardcover under the Dark Labyrinth title was the Faber and Faber edition of 1961.
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 true first appearance of the work is Cefalu (Editions Poetry London, 1947). Under the new title, the Ace Books paperback of 1958 is first thus, the Faber hardcover of 1961 is the first hardcover thus, and the US E. P. Dutton hardcover followed in 1962.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Retitled reissue of an earlier novel rather than a new work; no book-club edition is the point of issue.
I have a first edition of The Dark Labyrinth — 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.