The points of issue
'Published in 1959 by The Viking Press' on the copyright page with no later printings stated. Dust jacket priced the printed price. First state has the Viking imprint, 1959 date, and original price.
Is this the true first?
US Viking 1959 true first. UK Michael Joseph (1960) is first British. First state told by the Viking 1959 imprint with no additional-printing line and the unclipped jacket.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions have the rear-board blind-stamp, no jacket price, and cheaper boards; later trade printings note additional impressions.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Haunting of Hill House a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'Published in 1959 by The Viking Press' on the copyright page with no later printings stated. Dust jacket priced the printed price. First state has the Viking imprint, 1959 date, and original price.
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. US Viking 1959 true first. UK Michael Joseph (1960) is first British. First state told by the Viking 1959 imprint with no additional-printing line and the unclipped jacket.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions have the rear-board blind-stamp, no jacket price, and cheaper boards; later trade printings note additional impressions.
I have a first edition of The Haunting of Hill House — 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.