The points of issue
First printing identified by the oval device on the title page bearing the head of Sir Thomas Bodley; later impressions show a 'BH' in a box instead. Copyright page states 'First published 1978'. Green cloth; jacket designed by Michael Harvey; 339 pages. Espionage novel.
Is this the true first?
The Bodley Head London edition is the true first; a Simon & Schuster (US) edition followed in 1978.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club printings appeared later and are not the first edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Human Factor a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing identified by the oval device on the title page bearing the head of Sir Thomas Bodley; later impressions show a 'BH' in a box instead. Copyright page states 'First published 1978'. Green cloth; jacket designed by Michael Harvey; 339 pages. Espionage novel.
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 Bodley Head London edition is the true first; a Simon & Schuster (US) edition followed in 1978.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club printings appeared later and are not the first edition.
I have a first edition of The Human Factor — 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.