The points of issue
The novel appeared first in the US as The Purloined Paperweight, published by Simon & Schuster on 12 May 1967, ahead of the UK Barrie & Jenkins edition of 26 October 1967, which carried the different title Company for Henry. The US title takes overall precedence.
Is this the true first?
US Simon & Schuster (May 1967) precedes the UK edition, which was retitled Company for Henry (October 1967).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Differing US and UK titles (The Purloined Paperweight vs Company for Henry) are the key identification point.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Purloined Paperweight a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The novel appeared first in the US as The Purloined Paperweight, published by Simon & Schuster on 12 May 1967, ahead of the UK Barrie & Jenkins edition of 26 October 1967, which carried the different title Company for Henry. The US title takes overall precedence.
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. US Simon & Schuster (May 1967) precedes the UK edition, which was retitled Company for Henry (October 1967).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Differing US and UK titles (The Purloined Paperweight vs Company for Henry) are the key identification point.
I have a first edition of The Purloined Paperweight — 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.