The points of issue
First US edition under this title; Taplinger, New York, 1980, translated by David H. Rosenthal from the Catalan 'La plaça del Diamant.'
Is this the true first?
The world first is the Catalan 'La plaça del Diamant' (Club Editor, Barcelona, 1962). The true first English appearance, however, is an earlier UK translation: 'The Pigeon Girl,' translated by Eda O'Shiel, André Deutsch, London, 1967. The 1980 Taplinger 'The Time of the Doves' (Rosenthal translation) is the first US edition and a distinct, later translation rather than the first English.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The 2013 Open Letter 'In Diamond Square' (Peter Bush translation) is a third, distinct translation, not a reprint. The 1967 André Deutsch 'The Pigeon Girl' is the true first English-language edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Time of the Doves (orig. UK 'In Diamond Square') a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First US edition under this title; Taplinger, New York, 1980, translated by David H. Rosenthal from the Catalan 'La plaça del Diamant.'
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. The world first is the Catalan 'La plaça del Diamant' (Club Editor, Barcelona, 1962). The true first English appearance, however, is an earlier UK translation: 'The Pigeon Girl,' translated by Eda O'Shiel, André Deutsch, London, 1967. The 1980 Taplinger 'The Time of the Doves' (Rosenthal translation
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The 2013 Open Letter 'In Diamond Square' (Peter Bush translation) is a third, distinct translation, not a reprint. The 1967 André Deutsch 'The Pigeon Girl' is the true first English-language edition.
I have a first edition of The Time of the Doves (orig. UK 'In Diamond Square') — 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.