The points of issue
First English edition, translated by Michael Scammell in collaboration with the author (with Dmitri Nabokov). G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, published May 27, 1963; identify the first printing by the stated first edition. The UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson edition followed on November 8, 1963, using the same translation.
Is this the true first?
Originally serialized in Russian (Sovremennye Zapiski, Paris, 1937–38, with one chapter suppressed); first complete Russian book by the Chekhov Publishing House, New York, 1952. The true first English is the Putnam US edition, published May 27, 1963, preceding the UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson edition of November 8, 1963 by roughly five and a half months.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Distinguish the 1952 Russian-language Chekhov House first book edition from the 1963 English first. Later Penguin and Vintage paperbacks are reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Gift (Dar) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First English edition, translated by Michael Scammell in collaboration with the author (with Dmitri Nabokov). G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, published May 27, 1963; identify the first printing by the stated first edition. The UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson edition followed on November 8, 1963, using the same translation.
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. Originally serialized in Russian (Sovremennye Zapiski, Paris, 1937–38, with one chapter suppressed); first complete Russian book by the Chekhov Publishing House, New York, 1952. The true first English is the Putnam US edition, published May 27, 1963, preceding the UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson edition of
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Distinguish the 1952 Russian-language Chekhov House first book edition from the 1963 English first. Later Penguin and Vintage paperbacks are reprints.
I have a first edition of The Gift (Dar) — 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.