The points of issue
First printing of one of Greene's 'entertainments,' produced on wartime paper. Later filmed by Fritz Lang.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann 1943 is the true first. The first US edition (Viking, 1943) followed; the supposed US precedence is not supported and the UK edition is the accepted first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club printings appeared later.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Ministry of Fear a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of one of Greene's 'entertainments,' produced on wartime paper. Later filmed by Fritz Lang.
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 Heinemann 1943 is the true first. The first US edition (Viking, 1943) followed; the supposed US precedence is not supported and the UK edition is the accepted first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club printings appeared later.
I have a first edition of The Ministry of Fear — 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.