The points of issue
First printing of the illustrated novella, London 1964, in publisher's cloth with gilt spine lettering and a pictorial dust jacket, illustrated by Edward Pagram.
Is this the true first?
UK Sidgwick & Jackson is the true first; the US Norton edition followed in 1970.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Eve of Saint Venus a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the illustrated novella, London 1964, in publisher's cloth with gilt spine lettering and a pictorial dust jacket, illustrated by Edward Pagram.
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. UK Sidgwick & Jackson is the true first; the US Norton edition followed in 1970.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of The Eve of Saint Venus — 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.