The points of issue
First printing; dystopian novel. Green cloth boards, black spine titling, dust jacket by Brian Russell. UK Heinemann 1962 precedes US Norton 1963 (US jacket by Larry Lurin).
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann is the true first; US W. W. Norton followed in 1963.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Wanting Seed a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing; dystopian novel. Green cloth boards, black spine titling, dust jacket by Brian Russell. UK Heinemann 1962 precedes US Norton 1963 (US jacket by Larry Lurin).
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 is the true first; US W. W. Norton followed in 1963.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of The Wanting Seed — 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.