The points of issue
The Marvell Press first edition, 1955, carries the Hessle, East Yorkshire imprint. First-issue points: a flat (not rounded) spine; the misprint 'floor' for 'sea' in the first line of 'Absences'; the dust jacket priced 6s with the rear panel printed in black only; and a printed list of subscribers on the unnumbered pages 44 and 45. The first 300 copies were bound with a flat spine for late-1955 distribution; the remaining copies were later bound with a rounded spine.
Is this the true first?
The Marvell Press edition (Hessle, 1955) is the true first. Faber never published the true first of this title. Confirm the flat spine, the 'floor'/'sea' misprint, the 6s jacket, and the subscriber list on pages 44-45.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition. Later impressions reset the type, correct the misprint, and omit the subscriber list.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Less Deceived a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The Marvell Press first edition, 1955, carries the Hessle, East Yorkshire imprint. First-issue points: a flat (not rounded) spine; the misprint 'floor' for 'sea' in the first line of 'Absences'; the dust jacket priced 6s with the rear panel printed in black only; and a printed list of subscribers on the unnumbered pages 44 and 45. The first 300 copies were bound with a flat spine for late-1955 distribution; the remaining copies were later bound with a rounded spine.
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 Marvell Press edition (Hessle, 1955) is the true first. Faber never published the true first of this title. Confirm the flat spine, the 'floor'/'sea' misprint, the 6s jacket, and the subscriber list on pages 44-45.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition. Later impressions reset the type, correct the misprint, and omit the subscriber list.
I have a first edition of The Less Deceived — 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.