The points of issue
Cape first edition, 1965 (Gilbert A15a). First-state point: a small early portion of the print run (in the region of 900-odd copies, per the publisher's production records, before the costly large foil block was abandoned) was issued with a gun device blocked in gilt on the front board. This gilt-gun state is the scarce first state; the far commoner state lacks the gilt gun device. First-issue Chopping jacket priced 18s net.
Is this the true first?
UK Cape (1965, published posthumously) precedes the US New American Library edition (1965); the UK Cape printing is the true first. The gilt-gun-on-board copies are the scarce premium first state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The far commoner state without the gilt gun device is still the first edition but less sought after; reprints reset and lack the original jacket price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Man with the Golden Gun a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Cape first edition, 1965 (Gilbert A15a). First-state point: a small early portion of the print run (in the region of 900-odd copies, per the publisher's production records, before the costly large foil block was abandoned) was issued with a gun device blocked in gilt on the front board. This gilt-gun state is the scarce first state; the far commoner state lacks the gilt gun device. First-issue Chopping jacket priced 18s net.
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. UK Cape (1965, published posthumously) precedes the US New American Library edition (1965); the UK Cape printing is the true first. The gilt-gun-on-board copies are the scarce premium first state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The far commoner state without the gilt gun device is still the first edition but less sought after; reprints reset and lack the original jacket price.
I have a first edition of The Man with the Golden Gun — 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.