The points of issue
First published in 1960 by Heinemann, London; original green boards with the spine stamped in red. Early Burgess, scarce in the dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
The UK Heinemann edition (1960) is the true first. The US Norton edition followed; the UK edition precedes.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Doctor Is Sick a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First published in 1960 by Heinemann, London; original green boards with the spine stamped in red. Early Burgess, scarce in the dust jacket.
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 Heinemann edition (1960) is the true first. The US Norton edition followed; the UK edition precedes.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club edition.
I have a first edition of The Doctor Is Sick — 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.