The points of issue
True first states 'First published 1983' only, with no reprint line; publisher's aquamarine boards with gilt spine lettering, in the first-issue Quentin Blake pictorial jacket with the original printed UK price (£6.50) to the front flap. Winner of the 1983 Whitbread Award for Children's Books.
Is this the true first?
UK Jonathan Cape 1983 is the true first; the US Farrar, Straus & Giroux edition is later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club copies typically carry a blind-stamp and lack the printed jacket price; later printings add a 'Reprinted 1983' or later printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Witches a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first states 'First published 1983' only, with no reprint line; publisher's aquamarine boards with gilt spine lettering, in the first-issue Quentin Blake pictorial jacket with the original printed UK price (£6.50) to the front flap. Winner of the 1983 Whitbread Award for Children's Books.
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 Jonathan Cape 1983 is the true first; the US Farrar, Straus & Giroux edition is later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club copies typically carry a blind-stamp and lack the printed jacket price; later printings add a 'Reprinted 1983' or later printing statement.
I have a first edition of The Witches — 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.