The points of issue
UK Faber first edition, first impression, published 28 February 1964: original cloth lettered in gilt, in the dust jacket designed by Berthold Wolpe and priced 12s 6d (12/6), unclipped. The first impression carries no reprint statement. Bloomfield A7a.
Is this the true first?
The UK Faber edition (1964) is the true first. No significant American trade first appeared until later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition. Later Faber impressions add reprint statements.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Whitsun Weddings a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Faber first edition, first impression, published 28 February 1964: original cloth lettered in gilt, in the dust jacket designed by Berthold Wolpe and priced 12s 6d (12/6), unclipped. The first impression carries no reprint statement. Bloomfield A7a.
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 UK Faber edition (1964) is the true first. No significant American trade first appeared until later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition. Later Faber impressions add reprint statements.
I have a first edition of The Whitsun Weddings — 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.