The points of issue
The first edition is the US Little, Brown Boston 1965, which precedes the UK Jonathan Cape 1966. First printing with no later-printing statement. (Fowles revised the text in 1977; the 1965/66 text is the unrevised first.)
Is this the true first?
Unusually, the US Little, Brown 1965 precedes the UK Jonathan Cape 1966, so the true first is American. The 1977 revised edition is a separate textual state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
UK Cape 1966 and the 1977 revision are distinct; later printings shown by statement. Book club editions lack the first-state jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Magus a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The first edition is the US Little, Brown Boston 1965, which precedes the UK Jonathan Cape 1966. First printing with no later-printing statement. (Fowles revised the text in 1977; the 1965/66 text is the unrevised first.)
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. Unusually, the US Little, Brown 1965 precedes the UK Jonathan Cape 1966, so the true first is American. The 1977 revised edition is a separate textual state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
UK Cape 1966 and the 1977 revision are distinct; later printings shown by statement. Book club editions lack the first-state jacket.
I have a first edition of The Magus — 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.