The points of issue
First edition of the mescaline essay, 1954, issued by Harper & Brothers in New York and by Chatto & Windus in London. The Harper New York edition is the one generally treated as the first; the editions are at best simultaneous and the UK edition does not precede it.
Is this the true first?
The original record's claim that the UK Chatto edition precedes the US Harper edition is not supported. Sources indicate New York Harper as the first (or, at minimum, simultaneous publication in 1954); the UK edition cannot be presented as preceding the US.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue of the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Doors of Perception a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition of the mescaline essay, 1954, issued by Harper & Brothers in New York and by Chatto & Windus in London. The Harper New York edition is the one generally treated as the first; the editions are at best simultaneous and the UK edition does not precede it.
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 original record's claim that the UK Chatto edition precedes the US Harper edition is not supported. Sources indicate New York Harper as the first (or, at minimum, simultaneous publication in 1954); the UK edition cannot be presented as preceding the US.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue of the true first.
I have a first edition of The Doors of Perception — 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.