The points of issue
London: Faber & Faber, 1955. Cloth binding; first-issue dust jacket with a drawing by Anthony Gross, priced 12s 6d, unclipped (some copies retain the scarce wraparound review band). Copyright page states 'First published in mcmlv' (Faber used Roman-numeral years before 1968).
Is this the true first?
The UK Faber edition (1955), Golding's second novel after Lord of the Flies, is the true first, preceding the US Harcourt, Brace edition (1962).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add a printing statement to the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Inheritors a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Faber & Faber, 1955. Cloth binding; first-issue dust jacket with a drawing by Anthony Gross, priced 12s 6d, unclipped (some copies retain the scarce wraparound review band). Copyright page states 'First published in mcmlv' (Faber used Roman-numeral years before 1968).
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 UK Faber edition (1955), Golding's second novel after Lord of the Flies, is the true first, preceding the US Harcourt, Brace edition (1962).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add a printing statement to the copyright page.
I have a first edition of The Inheritors — 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.