The points of issue
The UK Hamish Hamilton edition (London, 1980) is the true first, identified by the 'First published 1980' statement on the copyright page in original cloth with a first-state jacket. The US William Morrow edition (New York, 1980) is the first American edition. Verify the first-printing copyright statement and an unclipped jacket.
Is this the true first?
The UK Hamish Hamilton edition takes precedence as the true first; the US Morrow edition is the first American edition. This was Follett's third novel. Both editions are collected; confirm precedence by imprint and copyright statement.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack a printed jacket price, carry a blind-stamp on the rear board, and use lighter boards. Match the publisher imprint, first-printing statement, and an unclipped first-state jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Key to Rebecca a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The UK Hamish Hamilton edition (London, 1980) is the true first, identified by the 'First published 1980' statement on the copyright page in original cloth with a first-state jacket. The US William Morrow edition (New York, 1980) is the first American edition. Verify the first-printing copyright statement and an unclipped jacket.
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 Hamish Hamilton edition takes precedence as the true first; the US Morrow edition is the first American edition. This was Follett's third novel. Both editions are collected; confirm precedence by imprint and copyright statement.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack a printed jacket price, carry a blind-stamp on the rear board, and use lighter boards. Match the publisher imprint, first-printing statement, and an unclipped first-state jacket.
I have a first edition of The Key to Rebecca — 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.