The points of issue
London: Michael Joseph, 1962. States 'First published … 1962'; black boards with gilt spine lettering, 568 pages. First-issue typographic dust jacket priced 30s net, with a photograph of Lessing on the rear panel; the jacket is notably thin and fragile. The UK Michael Joseph precedes the US Simon & Schuster 1962 edition.
Is this the true first?
The true first is the UK Michael Joseph 1962 edition; the US Simon & Schuster is a later first-thus, distinguished by its stated first printing and dollar-priced flap. Lessing's landmark novel.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No major club edition; watch for later restored/reissued texts and the US printing being described as the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Golden Notebook a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Michael Joseph, 1962. States 'First published … 1962'; black boards with gilt spine lettering, 568 pages. First-issue typographic dust jacket priced 30s net, with a photograph of Lessing on the rear panel; the jacket is notably thin and fragile. The UK Michael Joseph precedes the US Simon & Schuster 1962 edition.
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 true first is the UK Michael Joseph 1962 edition; the US Simon & Schuster is a later first-thus, distinguished by its stated first printing and dollar-priced flap. Lessing's landmark novel.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No major club edition; watch for later restored/reissued texts and the US printing being described as the first.
I have a first edition of The Golden Notebook — 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.