The points of issue
UK Hodder & Stoughton first, 1974. Copyright page dated 1974 with no later-impression statement; dust jacket priced in £. First of the Karla trilogy.
Is this the true first?
UK Hodder & Stoughton 1974 is the true first, preceding the US Knopf edition (1974). The UK first is the desirable copy; signed copies sought.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
BCA UK club editions and US Knopf first are separate. Confirm by Hodder imprint and first-state priced jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Hodder & Stoughton first, 1974. Copyright page dated 1974 with no later-impression statement; dust jacket priced in £. First of the Karla trilogy.
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 Hodder & Stoughton 1974 is the true first, preceding the US Knopf edition (1974). The UK first is the desirable copy; signed copies sought.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
BCA UK club editions and US Knopf first are separate. Confirm by Hodder imprint and first-state priced jacket.
I have a first edition of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy — 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.