The points of issue
First edition, first printing. A guide to contemporary fiction (criticism). The UK Faber and Faber edition, published January 1967, precedes the US W. W. Norton edition of the same year.
Is this the true first?
UK Faber and Faber 1967 is the true first; US Norton followed in 1967. Burgess issued a revised edition through Faber in 1971.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The revised 1971 edition has substantially altered text and should not be confused with the 1967 first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Novel Now a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing. A guide to contemporary fiction (criticism). The UK Faber and Faber edition, published January 1967, precedes the US W. W. Norton edition of the same year.
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 Faber and Faber 1967 is the true first; US Norton followed in 1967. Burgess issued a revised edition through Faber in 1971.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The revised 1971 edition has substantially altered text and should not be confused with the 1967 first.
I have a first edition of The Novel Now — 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.