The points of issue
The textual true first is the Swedish 'Den skrattande polisen' (Norstedts, 1968). The first English-language edition is the US Pantheon edition (1970), translated by Alan Blair, with the printed price on the jacket flap and no later-printing statement. Fourth of the ten Martin Beck novels. Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel (1971).
Is this the true first?
The Swedish original (1968) is the true first. The collectible English-language first is the US Pantheon edition (1970), which precedes the UK Gollancz edition (1971).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions of the English translation are common.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Laughing Policeman a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The textual true first is the Swedish 'Den skrattande polisen' (Norstedts, 1968). The first English-language edition is the US Pantheon edition (1970), translated by Alan Blair, with the printed price on the jacket flap and no later-printing statement. Fourth of the ten Martin Beck novels. Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel (1971).
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 Swedish original (1968) is the true first. The collectible English-language first is the US Pantheon edition (1970), which precedes the UK Gollancz edition (1971).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions of the English translation are common.
I have a first edition of The Laughing Policeman — 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.