The points of issue
First edition, Rex Collings, London, 1972. Large octavo in black cloth, gilt lettering to spine; dust jacket unclipped (priced 3.50 net). Soyinka's prison memoir of his Nigerian Civil War detention.
Is this the true first?
Rex Collings London 1972 is the true first edition. The first US edition (Harper & Row, New York, 1972) follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Penguin and later paperbacks are reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Man Died: Prison Notes a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Rex Collings, London, 1972. Large octavo in black cloth, gilt lettering to spine; dust jacket unclipped (priced 3.50 net). Soyinka's prison memoir of his Nigerian Civil War detention.
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. Rex Collings London 1972 is the true first edition. The first US edition (Harper & Row, New York, 1972) follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Penguin and later paperbacks are reprints.
I have a first edition of The Man Died: Prison Notes — 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.