The points of issue
True first is the 1951 Michael Joseph UK HARDCOVER. Caution title. The US Doubleday hardcover (1951) follows. Serialized in Collier's (1951) as 'Revolt of the Triffids.' The Popular Library/paperback editions are reprints.
Is this the true first?
Caution: hardcover precedes the paperback. UK Michael Joseph is generally the senior first; the US Doubleday is the first US edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Distinguish hardcover firsts from the SFBC and from paperback reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Day of the Triffids a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the 1951 Michael Joseph UK HARDCOVER. Caution title. The US Doubleday hardcover (1951) follows. Serialized in Collier's (1951) as 'Revolt of the Triffids.' The Popular Library/paperback editions are reprints.
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. Caution: hardcover precedes the paperback. UK Michael Joseph is generally the senior first; the US Doubleday is the first US edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Distinguish hardcover firsts from the SFBC and from paperback reprints.
I have a first edition of The Day of the Triffids — 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.